With time running thin and options fleeting by the second, Class 40 was put down by a Drayton Manor employee after a child fell into the Thomas and Friends display.
“We had to do what we had to do. We have very strict safety protocols.” Explained Samantha Williams, the Acting Manager of Thomas Land. “That prop was aggressive, and could’ve killed the child if we didn’t act.”
The child reportedly fell into the display while his mother was distracted. Witnesses say the inquisitive prop examined the child before wildly dragging them around the display.
“I was terrified.” The child’s mother (who wished to remain anonymous) recalled. “He was right next to me one second, then he was suddenly stuck behind the glass, and the model train was inching closer.”
Luckily, the child was unharmed. Authorities are still investigating the incident, but that hasn’t stopped internet speculation about the nature of the events that went down.
“All they had to do was turn off the display. Why’d they even consider shooting the prop?” One Twitter user questioned.
“They could have tranquilized that prop.” Another suggested.
Despite these complaints, Drayton Manor staff insist putting down Class 40 was the only possible solution.
“It’s not like we haven’t shot at the props before.” Samantha Williams explained. “Plus, Mattel doesn’t care what we do with them, so there’s really no reason not to.”
Thomas News Network 