By: Kingsley Wong

Last week, a tortoise named Solomon embarked on an unexpected adventure that caused quite a stir. The slow-moving reptile found itself on train tracks, leading to significant delays across four trains. The disruption occurred around 6pm on Friday, affecting routes between Ascot in Berkshire and Bagshot in Surrey, after a train driver encountered the unusual sight.

Solomon the tortoise was safely recovered by engineers who not only ensured his safety but also gave him a brief train ride. According to South Western Railway (SWR), “He has been safely retrieved and is now on his way home.” SWR and Network Rail staff carefully relocated Solomon to a safe spot on the platform and even gave him a short journey aboard a train. Train services in the area were back to normal by around 7pm.

Even though Solomon emerged from the situation unscathed, this serves reminders for pet owners to stay vigilant. A Network Rail spokesperson stated, “We are pleased that this story ended well and want to reassure passengers that our commitment to ‘everyone home safe, every day’ includes pets. However, it’s important to remember that the railway remains a hazardous area.” The spokesperson also urged local residents to ensure their fencing is secure to prevent both people and animals from wandering onto the tracks.

The unexpected journey of Solomon the tortoise ended happily, with the reptile coming out alive. The incident highlighted the importance of railway safety and the need for vigilant pet ownership. Network Rail emphasized that while they are pleased with the positive outcome, the railway environment remains dangerous. They also encouraged local residents to secure their fencing to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Image Credit by Radovan Zierik