SEOUL – In a surprising turn of events on November 25, commuters on Seoul's Line No. 2 faced significant delays during the bustling morning rush hour, all due to a train conductor's urgent toilet break.

Reports from Seoul Metro indicate that what should have been a quick pit stop escalated into a domino effect impacting a staggering 125 trains.

The Incident

At approximately 8:11 AM local time, the conductor operating one of the outer lane train services had to make a dash for the restroom located at the station.

Leaving the controls in the hands of an engineer, he hurriedly made his way down the platform and returned just over four minutes later – 4 minutes and 16 seconds to be precise.

Chaos in the Aftermath

Despite the conductor's swift return, the aftermath was chaotic.

All subsequent trains faced a rescheduling, with many delayed by around 20 minutes.

Fortunately, the inconvenience for passengers may have been minimized since trains continued to operate with normal frequency.

Tight Schedules and Bathroom Breaks

Interestingly, conductors on these circular routes are mandated to work non-stop for two to three hours, leaving little room for breaks.

Such tight schedules mean that they frequently have no option but to rely on station restrooms, which are often located far from the platform, complicating any potential bathroom emergencies.

Looking Ahead

This incident raises questions about the tight-knit schedules train staff must adhere to and whether improvements can be made for the sake of both employees and passengers alike.

With a growing urban population in Seoul, how cities manage their public transportation systems is becoming increasingly crucial.

Stay tuned for updates as Seoul Metro reviews operational protocols to ensure this type of situation does not become a repeated source of commuter frustration in the future!