Passengers on a train in Nanjing, China, were left stunned after dozens of live eels escaped from a bucket and began wriggling across the carriage floor.
The bizarre incident happened on Metro Line 2 on Monday when a container carrying the slippery creatures reportedly overturned, sending the eels scattering in different directions.
Footage shared on social media showed the animals sliding across the floor as shocked passengers, including children, watched the unusual scene unfold. Some passengers initially appeared unsure whether the creatures were eels or snakes.
Several brave commuters stepped in to help collect the slippery animals, with some returning them to the red bucket believed to belong to the owner. However, others reportedly managed to squeeze into gaps underneath the train seats, making the recovery more difficult.
The apparent owner was seen holding the container while passengers helped gather the escaped eels. The unusual sight quickly attracted attention online, with the footage going viral and sparking plenty of reactions.
Nanjing Metro later said fresh aquatic products, including live eels, are permitted on trains as long as they are properly packaged in sealed containers to prevent leaks and other safety or hygiene issues.
The city’s rail network prohibits passengers from carrying live poultry, cats, dogs and other pets, although guide dogs and working military or police dogs are exempted under the rules.
After the eels were eventually rounded up, railway authorities cleaned the affected carriage to remove the mess left behind by the unexpected escape.
