A Shinkansen train line in Japan has been halted due to a snake on its power cables, stranding hundreds of passengers

Japan's busiest high-speed train line was completely shut down on Wednesday, April 30 after a one-meter-long snake tangled on an electric cable, causing a short circuit. Shinkansen trains between Tokyo and Osaka were blocked and power was not restored until after 19:00. The incident occurred during "Golden Week", when millions of people are traveling. The Tokaido line, with an excellent safety record, has had delays caused by snakes in the past.