Four Workers Killed After Being Struck by Train in Japan

Four workers have died after being hit by a train at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, Japanese authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 10:46 local time on Thursday while the workers were spraying herbicide along the railway tracks, according to Tobu Railway, which operates the line.

Police are investigating whether proper safety procedures were followed at the time of the accident. Train services on the Tobu Nikko Line were suspended following the collision.

The victims, who were in their 50s and 60s, were part of a 10-person maintenance team working at the site. The team also included a supervisor and three lookouts whose job was to warn workers of approaching trains.

The lookouts normally use whistles and microphones and wave yellow flags to alert train drivers. However, railway officials were unable to provide clear answers when asked whether the warning system was operating immediately before the accident.

A passenger on the train told NHK that he heard a strange noise before the train made an emergency stop.

The train involved was a limited express service, among the fastest trains operating in Japan apart from the Shinkansen bullet trains.

Tobu Railway said its usual lookout system had been operating normally and that an investigation was under way to determine why the accident occurred.

The company's general manager, Takao Suzuki, expressed condolences to the victims' families and apologised for the incident and the disruption caused to passengers.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share