British trains stopped by giant tortoise
THETFORD, England — Passenger trains of British operator Greater Anglia were disrupted for about an hour Monday afternoon because of an escaped giant tortoise on the tracks.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The BBC reports that the animal, about 2½ feet long, had escaped from pet and aquarium store Swallow Aquatics on Sunday. It was injured after being struck by one train, with photos showing damage to its shell. The tortoise was spotted about 12:40 p.m. local time.
“We are sorry for the disruption caused to cusomters between Norwich and Cambridge this afternoon,” a Greater Anglia spokeswoman said. “This was due to a very large, injured tortoise on the line near Harling Road. Network Rail attended and helped the animal.”
Two trains were terminated early and one was delayed by about 20 minutes, she said.
The tortoise is expected to make a full recovery.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The BBC reports that the animal, about 2½ feet long, had escaped from pet and aquarium store Swallow Aquatics on Sunday. It was injured after being struck by one train, with photos showing damage to its shell. The tortoise was spotted about 12:40 p.m. local time.
“We are sorry for the disruption caused to cusomters between Norwich and Cambridge this afternoon,” a Greater Anglia spokeswoman said. “This was due to a very large, injured tortoise on the line near Harling Road. Network Rail attended and helped the animal.”
Two trains were terminated early and one was delayed by about 20 minutes, she said.
The tortoise is expected to make a full recovery.
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