Nebraska police have charged a 17-year-old teen with two felonies this week after he allegedly caused a train derailment while filming an “insane” video for YouTube.
The teenager, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his minor status, uploaded a five-minute video of the incident in Bennet on April 21, dubbing it the “MOST INSANE VIDEO I’VE EVER TAKEN!”
Dramatic footage shared by the teen online
In the video, the teen is heard exclaiming, “Oh my God! Oh my frickin’ God!” as he films two locomotives and five fully loaded railcars derailing, resulting in damages estimated at $350,000. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident. The teen is also heard asking, “Are they OK?” after the accident.
Immediate reporting and charges
The teen was the first to report the derailment, even approaching investigators at the scene to share his footage, according to Fox Nebraska. On Wednesday, July 24, investigators charged him and obtained a search warrant to seize his mobile phone and 4K digital recorder, which he used to shoot the video.
KOLN reported that the boy shared the footage with a local news station as well. He now faces two counts of criminal mischief, each leading to damage exceeding $5,000. The penalties include a potential $15,000 fine and up to seven years of imprisonment per count.
How the Incident unfolded
Investigators learned from a train conductor that the derailment occurred because a switch was misaligned as the train approached a crossing. Despite attempts to stop, the train derailed at the spot where the switch should have been properly aligned.
Further investigation revealed that the padlock for the switch was missing, suggesting tampering. Although the teen denied tampering with the switch and trespassing, investigators claimed he knew the switch’s location and operation. Surveillance footage showed a lone driver in a beige 1996 Buick Park Avenue in the area before the derailment, with the teen spotted walking towards the switch.
Court proceedings and appeals
An appeal has been filed to move the case from juvenile court to county court, where the teen could face more severe consequences if found guilty. The incident highlights the serious repercussions of dangerous stunts performed for online fame, especially when they result in significant property damage and pose a potential risk to public safety.