An 18-year-old volleyball player was fatally hit by a train “while wearing headphones”.
According to initial reports, Carol Bălălău was returning from training when the accident occurred on Monday (16 Mar) night.
Preliminary investigations suggest he did not check both ways before crossing the tracks.
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He reportedly had headphones in his ears and would not have heard the approaching train, which struck him violently.
Emergency services were called, and medical teams arrived at the scene in Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania.
But they were unable to save Carol and could only pronounce him dead, as reported by NeedToKnow.
The train driver, travelling the Craiova-Sibiu route, was tested for alcohol, but the result was negative.
Carol was still a student at Mircea cel Bătrân National College, where he specialised in sports.
He was also registered with the men’s volleyball team of CS Vâlcea 1924, which competes in Romania’s second-tier Divizia A2.
The club paid tribute, saying: “We hold in our hands the gold medal you take with you to another world. It had been more than two decades since we last experienced this joy.
“You brought us the thrill of a historic achievement, making us proud of your school, your team, and our team.”
Vâlcea County Council president Constantin Rădulescu described Carol as an “example of discipline and passion” and a “kind soul”.
Vâlcea Police said in a statement: “The police are continuing their investigation, and a criminal case for involuntary manslaughter has been opened to determine the exact causes and circumstances of the tragic incident.”
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