Passengers on the long distance train from Gdynia to Zakopane were shocked this week when a snake of 3.5 metres length was spotted slithering down the aisles.

Much to the alarm of travellers, the mottled yellow and white reptile had escaped from a parcel.

Once the animal had been spotted, the train made a prolonged stop at the next station, Ilawa, where veterinary experts were called in to retrieve the snake.

Slawomir Nojman, spokesman for Ilawa police, told the Polish Press Agency that the slippery package was due to be delivered to an inhabitant of Nowy Sacz, southern Poland.

Thankfully, the reptile was removed without injury to itself or passengers. Police then checked the remaining packages, only to discover yet one more snake, this time of a length of 1.5 metres. The second snake had not yet managed to escape, however.

Owing to the unexpected incident, the train left Ilawa somewhat later than scheduled. (nh/jb)

Source: PAP