Dutch train caught by a whale

Crashing train saved by whale tail - 16th November 2020

A Dutch train has been ‘caught’ by a giant whale tail, preventing it from crashing into the water below.

The metro train overran its stop at a station near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. It’s now balanced 10 metres above ground on the plastic tail of a whale sculpture.

The sculpture was originally called 'Whale Tails' but it has now been renamed 'Saved by the Whale's Tail'. It was designed by architect and artist Maarten Struijs and is made of reinforced polyester. It was erected in the water at the end of the tracks in 2002.

That the sculpture held together came as a surprise to Mr Struijs. “I am amazed that it is so strong. When plastic has stood for 20 years, you don’t expect it to hold up a metro train,” he said.

After the accident, the train driver managed to free himself without injury.

Emergency services were called to the scene and are trying to decide how to bring down the train carriage safely.

It is currently unclear what caused the train to overrun the station.