Rishika Shahi
In a quirky turn of events, a morning train from Reading to Gatwick Airport was halted after two adventurous squirrels boarded the service, leading to an unexpected cancellation. Passengers found themselves relocating to avoid the “frightened and erratic” animals, prompting a humorous response from Great Western Railway (GWR) as staff attempted to coax the furry intruders off the train. The situation escalated when one squirrel stubbornly refused to leave, ultimately resulting in the train’s termination and a memorable, if nutty, incident that highlights the unpredictable encounters of public transport.
Squirrel Shenanigans Disrupt Train Service
A morning train to Gatwick Airport was thrown into chaos when two squirrels hopped aboard, leading to a cancellation after one stubbornly refused to leave. Passengers aboard the Great Western Railway (GWR) service from Reading to Gatwick found themselves relocating due to the “frightened and erratic” behaviour of the furry intruders. As the train manager locked the rear carriage to contain the situation, the unexpected passengers turned a routine journey into an unexpected adventure.
Efforts to remove the squirrels at Redhill were in vain, with one squirrel defiantly staying put despite attempts to shoo it away. GWR staff humorously noted that the service, scheduled for 08:54 BST, was ultimately terminated when the determined squirrel’s refusal to disembark left them no choice but to return to Reading. The incident sparked amusement and drew attention to the sometimes chaotic nature of rail travel.
A Nutty Conclusion to the Train Ride
The playful saga concluded with one squirrel being safely returned to its original station, while the other scampered off into the wild. GWR’s lighthearted response highlighted the whimsical side of travel, with a spokesperson jokingly referring to the situation as a “nutty tale.” This unusual event serves as a reminder of the unexpected occurrences that can unfold during daily commutes, where even the smallest creatures can cause a stir.
Similar animal-related incidents have occurred on trains before, including a hedgehog that took refuge under a seat on a service between Weybridge and London Waterloo. This particular hedgehog, affectionately named Hector, was eventually adopted by a rail worker’s family, proving that sometimes these unexpected passengers can find a happy ending amid the chaos.
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