Hong Kong – In a shocking incident that has left commuters rattled, a snake slithered onto a packed commuter train in Hong Kong during rush hour, causing chaos and ultimately forcing an evacuation. The snake, reportedly an adapted cobra, was spotted coiled up in a corner of the carriage by a startled passenger, who quickly alerted the driver.
The driver, who is no stranger to handling such situations, stopped the train immediately and announced to the rattled passengers that there was a slippery visitor on board, advising them to move to the front carriage where it was “safer”. Commuters, already having a tough time dealing with overcrowding and delays, were left feeling like they had landed in their very own Hollywood action movie.
While it wasn’t immediately clear how the snake managed to board the train, some passengers speculated that it was smuggled onto the train in a backpack or handbag. Nonetheless, the incident has set concerns flaring about not only the safety of commuters, but also the need for more stringent security measures on trains.
The snake was safely removed from the train by the Hong Kong police, with notably calm passengers cheering on as the cobra was nabbed with a snake-catching pole that was brought on to the train. Thankfully, nobody was harmed in the incident and services resumed with only a minor delay.
This is not the first time that such an unusual sighting has caused chaos on public transport in Hong Kong. In 2017, a huge python made itself at home on a bus, causing a stir amongst passengers who had to endure the reptilian unwelcome guest while on their journey.
Animal welfare activists have decried the incidents, calling for stricter regulations on the ownership and size of snakes permitted in Hong Kong. However, enthusiasts of snake ownership have defended themselves, stating that snakes can make great companions and that they should not be punished for the irresponsible actions of a few.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s transit authority has urged commuters to remain vigilant and report to the authorities if they spot any suspicious animals or objects. They have also warned passengers to mind their belongings, so as to prevent any further surprises such as this from occurring. They did not comment on any possible changes in security measures.
The incident has gone viral on social media, with people posting everything from humorous reaction memes to calls for trained mongoose guards to be employed on trains. In a city that is no stranger to unique sights and sounds, a cobra on a train is certainly something that will be talked about for a while.
This snake on the train incident is a clear indication that Hong Kong commuters are in for more than just a typical daily grind amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Who knows, maybe we’ll have a new action hero emerge from this incident, with the cobra as the villain. Just when you thought you’d seen it all on public transport – something like this happens.
