Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The whale’s tail of a sculpture caught the front carriage of a metro train as it rammed through the end of an elevated section of rails with the driver escaping injuries in Spijkenisse. Peter Dejong/PA

Whale sculpture stops Dutch train plummeting off platform

No passengers were aboard the train at the time of the incident.

A TRAIN DRIVER in the Netherlands has escaped injury after his front carriage rammed through the end of an elevated section of rails and was caught by a sculpture of a whale’s tail.

The train was left perched upon one of two tail fins known as “flukes” several yards above the ground in Rotterdam.

It created such a stir locally that authorities urged sightseers to stay away, adding that coronavirus restrictions were in force.

Some 50 people were at the scene as engineers tried to work out how to stabilise and then remove the train amid strengthening winds.

netherlands-metro-whale Peter Dejong Peter Dejong

netherlands-metro-whale Peter Dejong Peter Dejong

“A team of experts is investigating how we can make it safe and get it down,” Carly Gorter, a spokeswoman for the local security authority, said.

“It’s tricky,” she added.

The company that operates the metro line said the driver was uninjured and there were no passengers on the train when it crashed through stop barriers at the end of the station in the town of Spijkenisse on this morning.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 54 comments
Close
54 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Power
    Favourite Ger Power
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 5:20 PM

    Day 17 and still no baggage. Wonder what happens on day 21. Probably a list of excuses as to why we can’t be compensated

    238
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seeking Truth
    Favourite Seeking Truth
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 7:24 PM

    @Ger Power: that is absolutely terrible. With computer systems as they are, they should know exactly where it is and how to get it to you.

    119
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A$AP Ragnick
    Favourite A$AP Ragnick
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 11:25 AM

    @Ger Power: know somebody who just asked could they go in and have a look. Found their bag straight away. Worth a try.

    62
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Hedderman
    Favourite Paul Hedderman
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 11:51 AM

    @Ger Power: Sorry to hear…….. Another annoying thing is that the airlines will probable generate more money on the back of this with everyone paying to carry on their 10kg bag to avoid it getting lost.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean
    Favourite Sean
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 5:37 PM

    Checking in luggage really only works if you can get it back at your destination. If they can’t make that work then you should be allowed bring all your suitcases on board as if it was a military transport.

    127
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Dit
    Favourite Mark Dit
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:25 AM

    @Sean: And how is ment to be all stored in over head compartments. Please explain?

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean
    Favourite Sean
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:32 AM

    @Mark Dit: well it would work the same way it does in the feeder bus that takes you to the plane? they’d have to take out a few rows of seats first obviously to make space which would eat into their profits but that is their problem and not mine. If they are running a 3rd world baggage reclaim service as they clearly are that will be entirely in keeping with the flight offering.

    47
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Hedderman
    Favourite Paul Hedderman
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 11:47 AM

    @Sean: a few problems with that. first, they couldnt be arsed. second, a bus isnt the same as a plane, weight needs to be distributed somewhat evenly, baggage needs to be secured. Third, it would be some hassle trying to wheel a large 20kg/25kg bag onto a plane as well as smaller cabin bag. It will seriously slow down securing the cabin and delay flights…… Bonkers idea

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean
    Favourite Sean
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 12:33 PM

    @Paul Hedderman: of course it is but the current idea of putting your luggage in the hols and it not being there when you arrive at your destination is also bonkers!

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Bong
    Favourite James Bong
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 6:04 PM

    I lost the bags under my eyes in Dublin airport

    92
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sequoia
    Favourite Sequoia
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 4:58 PM

    There’s someone somewhere sweating balls because they have a suitcase full of contraband up there.

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dawn Harvey
    Favourite Dawn Harvey
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:30 AM

    Always check the other carousels before giving up.
    Went through Dublin Airport recently and was waiting for my bag at carousel 6 where i was told to collect….waiting ages and nothing, everyone else bag came through. I met a couple of ladies who’d been waiting for 2 hrs for theirs and thought i might end up the same way. Went wandering along the hall to find someone yo ask and sure enough, 3 carousels down ,there was my bag?!?
    I told the other ladies to do the same, the sorting system is all over the place.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Betty O Sullivan
    Favourite Betty O Sullivan
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 6:05 PM

    @Dawn Harvey: probably full of vibrators.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Mac Suibhne
    Favourite Colm Mac Suibhne
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 4:50 PM

    I wonder if Trash Taste podcast ever got there 50 grand worth of camera equitment back from Aerlingus?

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Di Kirk
    Favourite Di Kirk
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 11:19 AM

    Day 15 of my mobility scooter in delayed baggage, possibly in Heathrow. Im disabled and not able to leave the house without it. Updates promised by Aer Lingus many times but not forthcoming. Also wondering what happens on day 21 when it will be considered lost by Aer Lingus.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Bong
    Favourite James Bong
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:33 AM

    The carmelites in Aungier St hold a novena every Monday night for people who have lost their luggage, apparently it’s very successful.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Betty O Sullivan
    Favourite Betty O Sullivan
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 4:57 PM

    Well for some of on Holidays

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sequoia
    Favourite Sequoia
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 4:59 PM

    @Betty O Sullivan:

    Salty

    (The sea on the costa, as well as your comment)

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Hedderman
    Favourite Paul Hedderman
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 5:00 PM

    @Betty O Sullivan: Not the first time you’ve made that comment.

    70
    See 8 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Betty O Sullivan
    Favourite Betty O Sullivan
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 6:25 PM

    @Paul Hedderman: oh Shrup

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Franny Ando
    Favourite Franny Ando
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 6:58 PM

    @Betty O Sullivan: Oh bitter Betty is back.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Betty O Sullivan
    Favourite Betty O Sullivan
    Report
    Jul 14th 2022, 9:21 PM

    @Franny Ando: oh Shrup ill give you a tick ear

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Gorry
    Favourite Paul Gorry
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 6:48 AM

    @Betty O Sullivan: shrup betty. All the same don’t mind them. Very few on here have a sense of humour.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keth Warsaw
    Favourite Keth Warsaw
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:32 AM

    @Betty O Sullivan: You’re quite right Betty. There’s far too much of this Holiday nonsense going on. About time someone with descent common sense stood up and told it like it is. Well done Mrs!

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keth Warsaw
    Favourite Keth Warsaw
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:35 AM

    @Paul Gorry: How dare you Sir insult the institution that is Betty! She represents a certain unwaivering attitude not seen since the 1980′s. More like her, I say!!!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keth Warsaw
    Favourite Keth Warsaw
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:41 AM

    @Betty O Sullivan: Give me a tick ear too Betty? I want it! No other woman can wear a floral dress like you, while holding that one-arm on the hip so nonchalantly. A fag in the mouth would complete the vision. The epitome of 1980′s fem. I love

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mattress Dick
    Favourite Mattress Dick
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 11:59 AM

    @Paul Gorry: on here? It’s a comments section on a news website. I think your looking for the light blue app with the image of a bird?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Phillips
    Favourite Karl Phillips
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:45 AM

    Staff were let go during the pandemic who new what they were doing, then shock people wanted to go on holidays after being locked locked up for nearly 3 years.The baggage handling was outsourced to maximise profits

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eileesh Buckley
    Favourite Eileesh Buckley
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 12:53 AM

    Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris has been notorious for losing luggage for donkeys years. The only time I had a bag missing for more than a day was when I flew into that airport, and then they sent me the wrong bag. I have never used a black suitcase since that incident. Thankfully I’d developed a habit of having essentials in my carry-on after having had friends whose bags were missing for the entirety of a holiday.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keth Warsaw
    Favourite Keth Warsaw
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:46 AM

    @Eileesh Buckley: yes…but lost with such finesse. It’s a pleasure to complain.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Power
    Favourite Ger Power
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:51 AM

    @Eileesh Buckley: we on Day 18 of lost luggage. We came back from 3 week long haul trip so hand luggage only not possible. My wife has had to buy new clothes, make up and a hairdryer since we got back. This is totally unacceptable. I sense an ongoing battle with AirFrance to either find our bags or get compensation. Our bag could now be at Dublin Airport but with no one giving any communication how are we meant to know? We don’t live in Dublin so are we expected to drive to airport to look for our own bag. Who will I send the diesel receipt to?

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean
    Favourite Sean
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:35 AM

    Two years ago I went on a flight and they were insistent that all bags including backpacks must be stowed safely overhead before take off for safety reasons. This year they are charging for overhead space so you can keep your backpacks at your feet. Making it up as they go along as usual. Same with the airplane mode instruction which is pointless and same with the inflatable life jacket and whistle schtick which has saved 0.00001% of passengers on downed commercial airlines since air flight was invented. Give me a parachute if you want me to survive not a whistle I have to blow on!

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Carroll
    Favourite Shane Carroll
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:22 AM

    Unattended bags may not be removed and may not be destroyed

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keth Warsaw
    Favourite Keth Warsaw
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:29 AM

    Not not not being sarcastic, honest in-jin. But it would seem some of our politicians are a little lost themselves. And if not, then certainly flustered. We know the main problem: lack of staff (if I’m correct?) ..so what’s the plan…man?

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ChadChaderson
    Favourite ChadChaderson
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:23 AM

    Why can’t they just temporarily tag bags with a tracking devices.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Dit
    Favourite Mark Dit
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:27 AM

    @ChadChaderson: cost way to much money to tag every bag

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keth Warsaw
    Favourite Keth Warsaw
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 10:52 AM

    @ChadChaderson: Because that would be an intelligent practical thing to do.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute HarveyLemonade
    Favourite HarveyLemonade
    Report
    Jul 15th 2022, 6:11 PM

    Next time I’m flying I’ll be using one of those Apple airtag thingys.

    7
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds