A chaotic scene unfolded on a Delhi Metro Blue Line train yesterday when a hoax “snake” sighting in a ladies-only coach sent panic-struck passengers scrambling for safety. Women climbed onto seats and attempted to escape to other coaches, a metro official confirmed today.
A video of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media, showed passengers shrieking in fright. One commuter pressed the emergency stop button, bringing the train to a halt at Akshardham Metro station, where everyone deboarded.
The chaos reportedly lasted for a few minutes after one passenger raised an alarm, claiming to have seen a “snake’s tail.” Although no one else could actually spot the reptile, many women were terrified and took evasive measures, including standing on the steel seats, to avoid contact with the supposed snake.
Anuj Dayal, Head of Delhi Metro’s communications department, addressed the incident: “A video is in wide circulation, where although the snake is not visible in the video, it is being purportedly claimed that a ‘snake’ was spotted in a ladies-only coach. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) took immediate action upon receiving the alert from the passengers in the coach on Thursday evening.”
He added that the train was vacated at Akshardham Metro station and sent to the depot for a thorough inspection. “Despite a meticulous check of the train footage and coach at the depot by the concerned team, no snake was found. However, a baby lizard was spotted during the inspection,” Dayal confirmed.
Dayal reassured passengers of DMRC’s commitment to safety, emphasizing that swift action was taken to address the travelers’ concerns. He urged passengers to remain vigilant and report any such concerns to metro staff for prompt action.