Christchurch (TAN): If you were planning to take the Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Christchurch in New Zealand, here is some bad news.
The iconic train has had to close its outdoor carriage since too many travellers tried to take risky selfies, media reports said.
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Some of the South Island’s most beautiful landscapes can be seen on the 350-kilometer route between Picton and Christchurch, which tourists take in and capture from the viewing carriage. However, too many tourists have been leaning out of the carriage to take selfies, photos and videos, unaware of the approaching tunnels which can quickly become unsafe.
The KiwiRail group, which operates the service, will keep the viewing carriage shut until it can come up with an idea to allow people enjoy the view without being exposed to danger.
“Despite the number of signs and announcements on board our trains pointing out the dangers of this, we have seen passengers leaning out with selfie sticks, iPads and their bodies, often unaware of an approaching tunnel which could cause a tragic incident for themselves, and others in the carriage,” Katie McMahon, general manager of KiwiRail group was quoted by media reports as saying.
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“We simply have to stop adults and children leaning from the carriages or we would not be discharging our duty as a safe transport operator,” she added.
Meanwhile, the company has introduced a review to reach a solution. Prospective answers include glass windows and narrow rails.
