An express train accident in Japan resulted in the deaths of four workers on Thursday. The incident occurred at Shin-Kanuma Station, located north of Tokyo, on the Tobu Nikko Line. The victims were performing weed-control work on the railway track when they were hit by the Tokyo-bound Spacia express train, according to Tochigi prefectural police.
The victims included three workers and a supervisor who were immediately taken to hospital, but they were later pronounced dead, as confirmed by authorities and train operator Tobu Railway Co. Six other individuals at the scene, comprising two additional workers, three on lookout duty, and an on-site supervisor, were not harmed. These workers were assigned to apply herbicide in the area.
About 50 passengers on board the train were unharmed. Tobu Railway representatives mentioned uncertainty as to why the workers did not vacate the track as the train approached, and the specific actions of those on lookout duty remained unclear. Tobu Railway is cooperating with investigations by authorities to determine the cause of the accident.
Lookout workers are tasked with warning colleagues of oncoming trains and facilitating evacuation. Their procedure involves waving a flag at the train, prompting the driver to sound the horn, thus ensuring cautious movement along the track. Early reports from workers indicate potential communication issues. However, comprehensive details of the events leading to the accident are still being examined by Tobu officials.
Japan is renowned for its safe and punctual train services, making such fatal accidents uncommon. In response to the incident, Takao Suzuki, head of Tobu’s railway business division, expressed remorse and promised to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Train services on the line were halted for several hours but continued later on the same day.
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