Nanjing Metro passengers assist after dozens of eels escape bucket

Dozens of eels escaped a passenger's bucket on the S3 line of the Nanjing Metro in Jiangsu province, China, on August 17. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. when a passenger tripped, causing the plastic bucket containing the live animals to overturn.

While some passengers initially mistook the long, slender creatures for snakes, causing brief apprehension, the situation was handled calmly. Many commuters, including several elderly passengers, actively assisted the owner by using their hands to catch the slippery eels and return them to the bucket.

Nanjing Metro officials clarified that transporting animals is permitted provided they are properly contained to prevent such incidents. No injuries were reported during the event.