Tortoise escapes, finds refuge on train tracks

A unique incident involving a tortoise that found itself on the tracks at a bustling train station has captured the attention of many. The reptile, named Mr T, was discovered at Bicester North Station on Tuesday by passengers who immediately notified the staff.

Chiltern Railways and Network Rail employees took swift action to rescue the tortoise and ensure his safety while waiting for his owner to come forward. The situation was resolved after a post on a local social media group helped reunite Mr T with his owner.

According to Chiltern Railways, the tortoise was unharmed and there were no disruptions to train services. This event highlights the importance of quick response and cooperation between railway staff and the community.

Steve Gill from Network Rail, who was involved in retrieving Mr T, shared his experience: \”In my 30 plus years on the railway, this is the first time I\’ve ever had to save a tortoise.\” He expressed relief at being able to safely return the pet to its owner.

Giles Conway, Chiltern\’s Oxfordshire area manager, added, \”I don\’t think anyone could quite believe it when we were alerted by customers at the station that there was a tortoise on the tracks.\” He thanked the station staff for their prompt action and collaboration with Network Rail to ensure the tortoise\’s safe retrieval.

Chiltern Railways emphasized the importance of passenger safety, advising against attempting to retrieve or search for animals near train tracks. Instead, they recommend contacting Network Rail for assistance.

Key Points from the Incident

• Discovery: A tortoise named Mr T was found on the tracks at Bicester North Station.
• Response: Staff from Chiltern Railways and Network Rail quickly intervened to rescue the animal.
• Reunion: A social media post helped locate the owner, leading to the tortoise\’s safe return.
• Safety Measures: Railway officials stressed the importance of not attempting to handle animals near tracks and instead contacting the appropriate authorities.

Expert Reactions

• Steve Gill from Network Rail mentioned that this was an unusual situation for him, highlighting the rarity of such an event.
• Giles Conway from Chiltern Railways expressed surprise at the discovery and appreciation for the staff\’s efforts.

Passenger Advice

Chiltern Railways reminded passengers to avoid any direct interaction with animals on or near the tracks. They advised individuals to contact Network Rail for assistance in such situations to ensure both personal safety and the well-being of the animals involved.

This incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise in everyday operations and the importance of community involvement and quick action in resolving them.