A man who suffered massive burns when he was nearly electrocuted on a railway line was yesterday still fighting for his life in hospital.

The 48-year-old man from Southend, who has not been named, suffered massive burns in the incident on Easter Sunday.

Firecrews, police and paramedics raced to a sub station behind Prittlewell railway station at lunchtime.

They had been alerted by nearby residents who heard a small explosion.

They found the victim alive but very seriously injured after receiving a massive electric shock.

It is believed the man had been carrying a metal pole which connected with overhead power cables which run along the railway line.

A spokesman for British Transport Police at Southend said an investigation into the incident had been launched.

She added: "The man was alive but very seriously injured. At first we believed his condition was life threatening.

"He was taken to Southend Hospital where he received emergency treatment before being transferred to the burns unit at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

"The man had surgery on Sunday night for his injuries and is still in a critical condition.

"He is expected to remain this way for another three or four days."

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