A schoolgirl has been killed after she was hit by a freight train while posing for a selfie on the tracks.

Karina Baymukhambetova, 15, was killed in Orsk, Orenburg, Russia, while a boy she was with - believed to be a relative - was able to jump out of the way.

The boy is said to have warned Karina of the impending danger, but she reportedly replied: "Be afraid of nothing in life."

The driver of the train attempted to avert the collision by applying the emergency brake and sounding the horn but he was unable to 'stop the train in time to avoid a tragedy'.

Karina Baymukhambetova was killed while taking a selfie on railway tracks in Russia. Credit: east2west news

A local media report said: "The train driver spotted people on the railway line and sounded his horn.

"He applied the train's emergency brakes but failed to stop the train in time to avoid a tragedy.

"The boy managed to jump away but the girl was not so lucky and was hit by the train which cut her body into pieces."

Friends have been paying tribute to Karina on social media.

Anastasia Meshkova wrote: "We remember, we love, we grieve."

Family friend, Lena Dzyuba, wrote: "Such grief. How her mother cried, my heart almost broke into pieces, so awful."

Friend Anna Kalamaeva told Karina's 39-year-old mother, Natalia: "Eternal memory to your little angel."

The driver of the train was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting Karina. Credit: east2west news

A decision will be made in due course as to whether to open a criminal investigation into Karina's death.

In the meantime, authorities in Russia have issued warnings to children and parents regarding safety around railways, with two 14-year-olds suffering electric shocks after trespassing on rail tracks in recent months.

Denis Khnykin, transport police senior youth liaison inspector, told parents: "I ask you to pay your attention once again and to warn your relatives.

"Please remind them of the fact that railways are dangerous both for your health and life."

Elena Zaporozhskaya, Orsk social policy chief, said: "Children need to be able to say 'no' when something is risky for their life and health. It is a hard thing to learn but necessary.

"Secondly, I want parents to know where their children are and with whom they are spending time. People must protect the lives and health of their children."

Russian authorities have warned parents and children to take care around railway tracks. Credit: east2west news

A global study released last year revealed that 259 people died taking selfies between 2011 and 2017. The deaths stemmed from 137 separate incidents and the average age of those who died was around 23.

Almost three quarters of those who died were men, with transport, drowning and falls among the most common causes of death.

