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An American tourist has survived a terrifying night train ride, clinging to its side as it raced along the Australian Outback at high speeds.

Chad Vance, 19, spent two hours squeezed inside a tiny open stairwell in temperatures close to zero, as the legendary Ghan train reached speeds of up to 70 mph (110 km/h).

He had jumped on the stairs as the train departed Port Augusta, South Australia, and was only rescued when crew heard his cries for help and brought the train to an emergency halt.

During his extreme ride, Vance managed to record his thoughts.

Footage courtesy of Australia's Adelaide Now