Tourist accidents on the upcountry mainline trains are on the rise, sparking urgent calls for stricter safety measures and heightened awareness.

A senior official from the Railways Department revealed that foreign tourists frequently lean out of train doors, cling to footboard handles, and take selfies, ignoring the significant risks involved, the Daily Mirror reported.

In a recent tragic incident, an Iranian woman sustained critical head injuries after hitting a tunnel while attempting to take a selfie near Ohiya and Idalgashinna. She was rushed to Nuwara Eliya General Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

Other alarming incidents include a tourist who fell off a footboard and sustained severe injuries, and another who lost his life while engaging in unsafe behaviour.

The Railways Department has issued a strong warning to tourists, urging them to prioritise safety and avoid dangerous stunts that could cost lives.