SEOUL: In a bizarre incident, 125 trains were delayed in Seoul after a train operator took a quick restroom break.
The delay took place on Monday morning, approximately at 8 am, on the crowded Line 2 in Seoul.
The operator, stationed on the outer loop, was required to make an urgent stop at a station.
The conductor hurriedly left the train and ran to a restroom located on a different floor of the station. The operator was away from the cabin for around 4 minutes.
This brief break triggered a series of delays that affected multiple trains along the line. 125 trains were delayed for 20 minutes or longer.
While the operator was away, an engineer was in charge, ensuring the safety of the train and passengers.
Seoul’s Line 2 is part of the circular system, where conductors typically work for two to three hours at a time.
Portable toilets are available for emergencies, but in this case, the operator had to use facilities farther away from the platform.
The short break caused a ripple effect, with delays spilling over to other trains on the same line.
Despite the inconvenience, Seoul Metro officials quickly addressed the situation and worked to minimize the impact.
Passengers on the delayed trains were able to reach their destinations with little trouble, according to reports.
Seoul Metro also explained that while restroom breaks are essential, they can sometimes lead to unplanned disruptions.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by transit staff working on busy metro systems like Seoul’s.
Seoul Metro added that measures would be taken to avoid such delays in the future, especially during rush hours.
Public transportation is crucial in Seoul, with Line 2 serving as a key route for many commuters daily.
This unexpected event drew attention on social media, with passengers commenting on the unusual cause of the delays.
Despite the public’s frustration, the overall response from passengers was relatively understanding of the situation.
In recent years, incidents like this have highlighted the need for more efficient staffing and planning.
Seoul Metro’s team worked quickly to resolve the issue, ensuring that the disruption did not affect operations long.
While unusual, this event serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in running a large urban transit system.
