Turtle captured after disrupting train traffic by ‘trespassing’ onto track | UK News

A series of train delays at the end of last week were caused by an escaped turtle, according to Network Rail.

Four services between Ascot in Berkshire and Bagshot in Surrey were disrupted on Friday evening after a driver spotted the animal near the tracks.

An incident report states that the “intruder” was moving “at high speed” towards Bagshot.

Engineers recovered the turtle and put it on the next passing train, with arrangements to drop it off at a vet in Staines.

But in the meantime, the animal’s owner came forward to identify it as his pet, named Solomon.

South Western Railway said Solomon was picked up the same evening “and, as far as we know, is unharmed”.

Network Rail suggested the owner’s house is next to the railway line and the turtle may have slipped through a gap in their fence.

A spokesperson said on Monday: “We apologize to any passengers who have been affected by this incident.

“While we are delighted that this story has a happy ending and can reassure passengers that everyone is getting home safely, our everyday ambitions extend to pets, we must remind everyone that the railway is dangerous.

“Trains need several football fields to stop at full speed and there are less obvious hazards like the electrified third rail, which is always on.

“We also ask our neighbours to ensure that their fences are secure to prevent human or animal incursions onto the track.”

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