Current Date: 20 Jul, 2026
{{entry.title}}

This whale tail sculpture saved a train that went off the rails

A train in the Netherlands failed to stop in time and broke through the emergency barrier. It's being held up by the statue of a whale's tail.

A Dutch train that had overrun the track was prevented from falling to the ground below by an enormous sculpture depicting two whale tails. “Saved by the Whale’s Tail,” is the appropriately named sculpture, and the incident happened at the De Akkers metro station in Spijkenisse, which is close to Rotterdam.

Designed by architect Maarten Struijs, the sculpture in silver is composed of reinforced polyester and was placed at the station in 2002. The train, which is a part of the Rotterdam Metro network, shot through the automatic buffers at the end of the track just after midnight, according to the train’s operator RET. It landed on one of the whale tails, saving it from plummeting 32 feet to the ground.

This whale tail sculpture saved a train that went off the rails 1
The curious scene is attracting fascinated locals © Niels Wenstedt/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Two metro routes, C from Capelle aan den IJssel and D from Rotterdam, terminate at De Akkers. No passengers were on board when the accident occurred. After the train came to a stop, the driver was able to get off without getting hurt. The sensitive removal procedure is made more difficult by the fact that the problematic track is directly above water and that big cranes cannot operate in the area. According to a local safety board spokesman, “We are trying to decide how we can bring the train down in a careful and controlled manner,” which was broadcaster NOS.

This whale tail sculpture saved a train that went off the rails 2
The silver sculpture was installed at the station in 2002 © Niels Wenstedt/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Locals are drawn to the odd scene as authorities figure out how to best remove the train from its unusual perch, but they are cautioned to keep their distance because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similar Stories
Man uses first-class ticket to eat for free at airport's VIP lounge for almost a year

Man uses first-class ticket to eat for free at airport's VIP lounge for almost a year

A Chinese man purchased a First Class Ticket, which included admission to a VIP Lounge with free food. Over the course of a year, he rescheduled over 300 times in order to receive over 300 free dinners. When questioned, it was discovered that he is rescheduling his reservation to another date after eating. He eventually cancelled the ticket and got a full refund.

Billy Ray Harris: A Story of Kindness and Honesty

Billy Ray Harris: A Story of Kindness and Honesty

In 2013, a homeless man named Billy Ray Harris discovered a $4,000 engagement ring in this cup. A woman had dropped while giving him some change. He returned the ring to her two days later. To thank him for his honesty, she set up a fund with the goal of raising $4,000 for him. It earned more than $185,000.

The WWII Parachute Wedding Dress

The WWII Parachute Wedding Dress

Major Claude Hensinger jumped out of a B-29 bomber during World War II when the engine caught fire. He was saved by his parachute. Later, he requested that his fiancée Ruth make him a gown out of the same parachute. The dress is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

A Pilot Survived 20 Minutes Outside A Flying Jet

A Pilot Survived 20 Minutes Outside A Flying Jet

In 1990, the captain of flight 5390 Timothy Lancaster got sucked out of his own plane when the window of the plane fell off. The crew held the captain’s leg for 30 minutes while the plane performed emergency landing. Everyone survived.

JBJ Soul Kitchen: Bon Jovi's community restaurant

JBJ Soul Kitchen: Bon Jovi's community restaurant

JBJ Soul Kitchen is a community restaurant by Jon Bon Jovi with no prices on the menu; customers donate to pay for their meals. If you are unable to donate you may do volunteer work in exchange for your family’s meal.

How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

Pepsi was first introduced as “Brad’s Drink” in New Bern, North Carolina, United States, in 1893 by Caleb Bradham, who made it at his drugstore where the drink was sold. It was renamed Pepsi Cola in 1898, named after the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe.

Toddler Calls 911 Accidentally and Saves Dad's Life

Toddler Calls 911 Accidentally and Saves Dad's Life

A father from Florida collapsed on the floor during a medical episode. Fortunately, his toddler son dialed 911 by accident and saved his life. An officer from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office arrived quickly and administered first aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital.