When a Tram Took a Detour to the Whale Tail
On a sunny Monday, a tram in Rotterdam slipped off its tracks and landed—yes, exactly on a statue of a whale’s tail. Instead of dropping 10 metres into the harbor below, it gently rested atop the sculpture, leaving the conductor shaken but safe, and the passengers uneventful because none were aboard.
What Happened?
- The tram rolled beyond the seam of its rails, heading straight toward the pier.
- Surprisingly, it came to a stop on the whale‑tail statue titled “Saved by a Whale’s Tale.”
- Engineers noted that the tail, not designed for freight, surprisingly could support the tram’s weight.
Artist’s Take
Artist and architect Maarten Struijs chuckled at the odd turn of events. “It does look rather poetic,” he told the Algemeen Dagblad. “But I’m glad the tail can actually bear the train’s weight.”
Community Response
- Passers‑by marveled at the spectacle from the streets below.
- Social media buzzed with calls to keep the tram as a permanent quirky addition.
- Rotterdam Metro officials, however, warned this was not a safe permanent installation.
Next Steps
Engineers are now working out how to safely unhook the tram and any other cars that derailed behind it. Safety comes first—after all, you don’t want to accidentally put your next commute on a sea‑monkey tail.
