An express train accident resulted in the deaths of four workers at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, on Thursday. The accident occurred on the Tobu Nikko Line as the Tokyo-bound Spacia express train made contact with the workers during their weed-control work on the railway track.
The victims, identified as three workers and a supervisor, were transported to a hospital but were later declared dead. The Tochigi prefectural police and Tobu Railway Co. confirmed these details. In addition to the deceased, six others at the site, including two workers, three on lookout duty, and an on-site supervisor, were unharmed. The group had been involved in spraying herbicide.
About 50 passengers on the express train were not injured. Railway officials expressed uncertainty about why the workers did not vacate the site as the train approached. The role of those on lookout duty, who are supposed to signal fellow workers of an incoming train, is under scrutiny. They typically wave a flag to prompt the train driver to sound the horn and approach with caution. Initial reports suggest possible miscommunication, but investigations are ongoing.
Japan’s rail system is known for its safety and punctuality, making fatal train accidents rare. Takao Suzuki, leader of Tobu’s railway business division, issued an apology regarding the incident. He emphasized the company’s commitment to preventing future accidents.
Train service on the Tobu Nikko Line was halted for several hours following the accident but resumed later that day, according to officials.
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