Man hit by train at western German station while looking at phone

A 27-year-old man suffered severe head injuries hit after being hit by a train in western Germany while standing on the platform looking at his phone, authorities said on Friday.

The incident took place at Leichlingen train station in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia on Thursday.

According to the federal police, the man was distracted by his mobile phone and stood too close to the edge of the platform.

As the train pulled in to the station, the driver sounded a warning and initiated an emergency brake but was unable to prevent a collision.

The 27-year-old was seriously injured and taken to hospital in a helicopter ambulance.

The railway line between Leverkusen-Opladen and Leichlingen station was temporarily closed.