Jumping from bridge called unsafe

MILO — Railroad engineers traveling the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad tracks in the Milo area have expressed concern about the safety of teen-agers jumping from the railroad bridge into the Sebec River.

Jumping from the bridge is particularly popular during warm weather. Engineers said jumping from the bridge may seem harmless, but it is of grave concern to train engineers who are required to apply emergency breaks to keep from striking the youths.

Railroad personnel report this summer that there have been numerous times when trains have had to come to screeching halts to avoid teen-agers on the bridge. The use of emergency brakes could cause derailment of the train or could endanger someone’s life if the train cannot stop in time.

According to railroad officials, “it is illegal to be on railroad property,” and, if officials are forced to enforce this law, violators could receive up to six months in jail and pay a fine of up to $500.