THIS is the terrifying moment dozens of eels escape a bucket on a train as panicked passengers try to catch the slimy critters.
Shocking footage showed the wriggly sea creatures sliding across the carriage floor in front of alarmed bystanders, including children.
Swarms of eels dispersed around the carriage Credit: X
The slippery beasts were unleashed across the train Credit: X
The bizarre clip was recorded during a tube ride in Nanjing, China, on Monday.
Horrified passengers on Metro Line 2 were left in awe as a swarm of eels fled a red bucket.
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Scores of the slimy creatures were seen racing down the carriage as some witnesses started recording the ordeal.
A few of them started to help by bravely picking up the animals.
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Bystanders tried to pick up several of the fish Credit: X
The shocking footage was recorded in Nanjing, China Credit: X
They returned several of them to the bucket, with the apparent owner holding the tub up to collect his greasy fish.
Some of the eels reportedly managed to slip between gaps beneath seats.
This complicated recovery efforts.
The fish reportedly made a break for it after the container carrying them overturned, sending them sliding across the floor.
They scattered in several directions as gob-smacked passengers watched on at the spectacle.
The footage went viral on social media – with some spectators commenting online that they thought the animals were snakes.
Nanjing Metro said passengers are allowed to carry fresh aquatic products such as eels if they are properly packaged in sealed containers.
Whether or not a particular item passes security checks in the station depends on staff checks.
Nanjing rail transit bans live poultry, cats, dogs, and other pets, though guide dogs and working military or police dogs are allowed.
Live fish and aquatic items are permitted as long as they are properly sealed to prevent leaks, safety issues, or mess.
Once the eels were caught, the metro carriage was cleaned by rail authorities.
