A 15-hour sleeper class train journey in India landed American travel vlogger Nick Maddock in the hospital with a severe respiratory infection, according to a series of Instagram posts shared by the Missouri-based globetrotter. The incident has since gone viral on social media, drawing both sympathy and criticism from users around the world.
Maddock, who has spent the past eight years travelling extensively and documenting his adventures online, recounted that the illness followed his extended journey in a non-air-conditioned sleeper coach in India. He shared a video of himself wearing an oxygen mask from a hospital bed, adding, “I’m actually not sure if it was the 15 hours train or the one week of breathing in dead bodies in Varanasi, but either way these lungs are toast.”
In another video, Maddock gave viewers a glimpse of the “filthy” train toilet and expressed disbelief over the experience. “Never again,” he vowed, referring to the arduous journey. The videos, which do not disclose the exact route or date of travel, were widely circulated and prompted varied responses online.
Social Media Backlash and Support
While many followers expressed concern and wished him a speedy recovery, others took offense at his portrayal of Indian public transport. Critics accused Maddock of exploiting poverty and underdeveloped infrastructure for social media engagement.
“Only the privileged white people can afford a flight to the other side of the world and just want to dive into the ‘poorest’ areas to discredit an entire country and get LIKES,” wrote one user. Another commented, “Even Indians don’t travel in sleeper class unless they absolutely have to.”
Some pointed out that Maddock’s situation could have been avoided with proper research. “No Indian would recommend a foreigner take a sleeper class train. That’s travel 101,” said one user.
Others questioned the direct correlation between his illness and the train journey. “Somehow he also found doctors who could diagnose that the respiratory issues were due to a train journey. Hope they narrowed it down to seat and train number too,” a sarcastic comment read.
Larger Discussion on Travel, Expectations, and Representation
Maddock’s post has reignited debates around how foreign tourists portray India and other developing countries in their content. Several users argued that tourists often focus on the most underprivileged areas to represent the entire nation, perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
Despite the criticism, others defended Maddock’s right to share his genuine experience and suggested the incident was a reminder of the need to upgrade India’s rail infrastructure—especially when it comes to sanitation and ventilation in sleeper class coaches.
As of now, Maddock is recovering and has not responded directly to the criticism. The incident continues to stir conversations online about privilege, representation, and the realities of budget travel in developing countries.
Sources By Agencies
