Current Date: 23 Mar, 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
ILOVEYOU Virus, the worst computer virus of all time

ILOVEYOU Virus, the worst computer virus of all time

The ILOVEYOU Virus, also known as Love Letter for You or Love Bug, had a high infection rate due to its ability to spread itself by copying entries from users' email address books. It is a virus that was created in 2000 by a college student in Manilla, Philippines, and was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the worst computer virus of all time, causing more damage than anything before it.

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

Roberts Timm and Jim Cook, two pilots, flew an aircraft for more than two months without landing in 1958. Matching the speed of a truck moving down the road to refuel. A mattress for sleeping, a small steel sink for personal hygiene, the removal of most interior fittings to reduce weight, and a basic autopilot were among the improvements.

How Magic Johnson Missed Out On $7 Billion Nike deal

How Magic Johnson Missed Out On $7 Billion Nike deal

Magic Johnson turned down a deal with Nike in 1979 that offered him 100,000 shares of stock and $1 for every pair of shoes sold. Instead, he chose Converse, which offered him $100,000 per year. Johnson lost about $5 billion by declining the Nike deal.

Unique Dining table with a hole for your cat to peek and join you dinner.

Unique Dining table with a hole for your cat to peek and join you dinner.

Dinos, a Japanese internet shop, has launched a new range of cat furniture, which includes this oak table with a hole in the middle and a perch underneath. It places your cat companion in the center of the table, making your cat the main focus of your meal, as it should be, because cats are the true proprietors of “your” home.

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 little girl survived a 1-hour submersion in freezing creek water

A little girl survived a 1-hour submersion in freezing creek water

On June 10, 1986, two-and-a-half-year-old Michelle Funk fell into an icy creek and was submerged for 66 minutes. When rescuers pulled her out of the water, she was not breathing, had no pulse, and appeared lifeless. The doctors used various techniques to rewarm her blood and bring her back to life. She was successfully resuscitated and went on to lead a healthy life.

Who invented the three-point seat belt?

Who invented the three-point seat belt?

While employed by Volvo in 1959, Swidish engineer Nils Bohlin created the three-point safety belt. Volvo first had the design patented, but soon as they discovered its importance as a new safety measure, they made the patent open to everyone. Millions of lives were genuinely spared by Volvo’s gift to the world.

Before "The Rock," There Was "Rocky Maivia"

Before "The Rock," There Was "Rocky Maivia"

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s first WWF persona was Rocky Maivia, a face (good guy). The audience rejected him due to his cheesy character, with chants of “Die, Rocky, die!”. After this, he became a heel (villain), referring to himself in the third person as “The Rock” and insulting the audience.