Transportation of the Deceased by Train – Procedure, Documents, Features
Why is transportation of the body by train needed?
In some situations, death occurs far from relatives and loved ones. It is during such times that the need arises to transport the body to the burial site. There are several options available, but if the deceased needs to be transported over a significant distance where there is no airport, rail transport may become the only viable solution. Transportation of the deceased by train is especially relevant when the budget is limited and road transport is not feasible.
What does the transportation of deceased bodies by rail entail?
The transportation of deceased bodies by rail is carried out in baggage or postal cars. The use of passenger compartments is strictly prohibited. The coffin is placed in a hermetically sealed container made of zinc, which must be tightly sealed. The presence of any foreign objects inside is strictly prohibited. Transportation of bodies by train requires not only the preparation of the body but also the collection of a complete set of documents, including sanitary and legal certificates. The embalming of the deceased is performed in the morgue before departure.
When is rail transport the optimal choice?
Transportation of the deceased by train may be the only possible option if the destination is far from major transport hubs. Rail transport often remains the most stable and cost-effective method of delivery. Despite the longer travel time compared to aviation, trains can ensure reliable transportation even to remote areas. It is important to remember that the coffin must be delivered to the station in advance—at least three hours before departure.
Preparation of the body for transportation
How is preparation done in the morgue?
Before the deceased is sent, a set of procedures must be completed: washing, embalming, dressing. These actions ensure the preservation of the body throughout the journey. After that, the coffin is placed in a hermetically sealed container that meets railway transport standards. The cargo must be ready for inspection by an X-ray scanner, so the container should not contain any protective screens. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of all participants in the transportation process.
List of necessary documents
What needs to be arranged before departure?
To organize the transportation of the deceased by train, relatives will need to prepare a number of mandatory documents. Among them: the notarized death certificate, a health department certificate confirming safety, a document for sealing the zinc coffin, and confirmation of the absence of contents. If the body is being delivered from abroad, notarized translations and an apostille will also be required. If relatives accompany the cargo, tickets for the same train must be provided.
Process of delivery and receipt of the body
How does the transportation itself proceed?
The coffin containing the deceased is delivered to the station by specialized transport. Representatives from the funeral bureau organize loading into the car a few hours before departure. The accompanying person, if provided, travels in the passenger compartment. Upon arrival, the recipient presents documents confirming their right to receive the cargo and carries out its further transportation. All stages require strict adherence to norms and timelines.
Can an urn with ashes be transported by train?
Yes, the transportation of an urn with ashes is possible. However, as with a body, it must be accompanied by a set of documents: a death certificate, a certificate from the crematorium, and confirmation of hermetic packaging. The urn is placed in a wooden container lined with dense fabric. It is important to note that its transportation is carried out exclusively in the baggage compartment. Attempting to carry the urn in hand luggage or the cabin is a violation of current regulations.
Alternative methods of transporting the body
- Road transport: is convenient for short distances and direct access to the burial site.
- Air transport: offers high speed but requires additional costs and preparation.
- Combined route: can be used when the need arises to connect several modes of transport.
Each of the listed methods has its own features. When choosing a route, it is important to consider not only the distance but also the availability of infrastructure, budget, and legal nuances.
Why is it important to entrust the organization to a funeral agency?
Organizing the transportation of the deceased requires experience, knowledge, and precise coordination. Services specializing in such tasks take on the collection of documents, preparation of the body, transportation to the station, cargo arrangement, and consultation with relatives. This helps avoid mistakes and unnecessary hassle. By working with a funeral bureau, clients can be assured that each stage will be carried out correctly, on time, and in accordance with established norms.
Conclusions and recommendations
The approach to organizing railway transportation of deceased bodies requires utmost attention. It is essential to consider various factors, from sanitary standards to railway regulations. If the body of the deceased needs to be delivered to another region, and air or road transport is unavailable, the railway remains an effective option. By entrusting this task to professionals, relatives can be assured that the process will proceed smoothly, on time, and without unnecessary complications.
