Fatal Accident at Shin-Kanuma Station Involving Express Train

An unfortunate accident occurred at Shin-Kanuma Station, located north of Tokyo, involving a Tokyo-bound Spacia express train. According to Tochigi prefectural police, the train made contact with four workers on the Tobu Nikko Line.

The incident happened while the workers were performing weed-control duties on Thursday. The four victims, consisting of three workers and a supervisor, were transported to a hospital but were pronounced dead thereafter. Tobu Railway Co. confirmed these details.

Six other individuals present at the site escaped unharmed. These included two additional workers, three individuals responsible for lookout duties, and another supervisor. The assignment involved spraying herbicide, and around 50 passengers on the train were reported to be uninjured.

Railway authorities stated that the cause of the accident remains uncertain, particularly why the workers failed to vacate the area as the train approached. Those on lookout duty typically alert workers of upcoming trains, facilitating evacuation. They signal to the train, prompting the driver to sound the horn as an acknowledgment and proceed with caution.

Initial reports from workers indicated possible communication errors, but investigations into the precise events leading to and during the accident continue, Tobu officials mentioned.

Fatal train accidents in Japan are unusual, given the country’s reputation for its safe and punctual transport systems. Takao Suzuki, head of Tobu’s railway business division, issued an apology, acknowledging the seriousness of the incident and committing to preventative measures to avoid repeats.

Train services on the line were halted for several hours following the accident, but resumed later that day, officials assured.