A writer describes taking a taxi that is advertised as a “30-minute” ride but ends up lasting about five hours. They say the journey is repeatedly disrupted before finally allowing the trip to continue.

Across the three outlets, the central reason is described as an unannounced military blockade that shuts down city roads. The accounts portray the situation as unexpected and difficult to navigate, forcing the driver and passenger to wait and reroute for an extended period.

While all sources present the same core sequence—an advertised short trip, a sudden loss of normal access to roads, and an eventual resolution by the end of the journey—each frames the narrative in slightly different language and emphasis. Together, they focus less on official explanations and more on the lived experience of delays and confusion caused by the blockade, culminating in the two reportedly sharing a moment of relief when the ride concludes after hours rather than minutes.