Snake discovered on board bullet train in Japan, causing 17-minute delay in service | Global News

Passenger Spots Snake on Bullet Train in Japan, Causes 17-Minute Delay

In a bizarre turn of events, a 40-centimetre snake was spotted on a train from Nagoya to Tokyo in Japan, causing a 17-minute delay on Tuesday. The cold-blooded commuter was found in car no. 6 of the 16-car train, much to the surprise of passengers and railway staff.

The Central Japan Railway Company spokesperson stated that it was unclear how the snake ended up on the train, as there are strict rules against bringing snakes onto the Shinkansen. However, since passengers’ baggage is not checked, it remains a mystery how the reptile made its way onto the train.

Following the incident, a staff member captured the snake and handed it over to local authorities. The company decided to use a different train than the one originally scheduled to go to Osaka, resulting in the delay.

Security measures inside bullet trains in Japan have been heightened since a stabbing incident in 2018, which led to a man being sentenced to life imprisonment. With the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2021 and the Group of Seven meetings last year, security remains a top priority for Japan’s train networks.

Despite the unusual incident, the Shinkansen train network, launched in 1964, has maintained an impeccable safety record with no accidents resulting in passenger fatalities or injuries. The railway operator is currently investigating how the snake managed to board the train, ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.