A high-speed ICE train in Germany, which stands for Intercity-Express, made an unplanned stop recently simply because the toilet paper on board ran out, prompting the train conductor to personally run to a supermarket to buy three large packs of toilet paper. This action has caused him to become an internet sensation, with netizens dubbing him the “Employee of the Month.”
According to reports from Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), the incident took place last weekend at the Hamburg-Bergedorf station in northern Germany. The ICE high-speed train was traveling from Sylt to Berlin, with Hamburg-Bergedorf being a stop about 3 hours into the journey which typically takes about 5 and a half hours from Sylt to Berlin.
The train had to make an unexpected stop due to the shortage of toilet paper on board. The conductor quickly went to a supermarket to purchase three large packs of toilet paper, a move that unexpectedly gained him popularity on social media.
Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company, confirmed the incident of the unplanned stop on July 15 to DPA. The company explained that the shortage of toilet paper was due to a temporary shortage of staff, leading to the train not being able to complete the check of onboard supplies before departure. A spokesperson said that the company plans to increase the frequency of spot checks in the future to prevent similar situations from happening again. The train conductor personally paid for the toilet paper and will be fully reimbursed by the company.
A photo capturing the image of the conductor hurrying back to the platform with three large packs of toilet paper has been shared on Instagram, where he is hailed as the “Employee of the Month.” The video has garnered over 700,000 views at present.
Some netizens commented, calling him a “true hero” and urging the German railway company to give him a raise. Others took the opportunity to voice support for frontline train service personnel, noting that these staff members may not have decision-making power but are always working hard to solve issues under limited conditions, deserving recognition.
ICE trains operate at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, making them one of the most convenient ways to travel between major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne in Germany. They also connect many cities within Germany and abroad. Passengers have the option to travel in first or second class, and can dine in the onboard bar or restaurant.