Four individuals engaged in weed control work on railway tracks were fatally struck by an express train at Shin-Kanuma Station on Thursday, officials reported. The incident occurred as the Tokyo-bound Spacia express train entered the station while the workers were still on the track.
Those killed included three workers and a supervisor. They were transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Tobu Railway Co., the train operator, confirmed the fatalities and stated that six other individuals at the site, including other workers, lookout personnel, and an on-site supervisor, were unharmed. Approximately 50 passengers aboard the train also sustained no injuries.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the accident. Railway officials indicated it remains unclear why the workers had not cleared the track as the train approached and what actions were taken by the lookout staff. Typically, lookout personnel are responsible for alerting track workers to approaching trains using flags, whistles, or microphones.
Takao Suzuki, head of Tobu's railway business division, issued an apology for the accident, stating, "We take this severe accident seriously and will ensure preventive measures and never let this happen." Service on the affected line was suspended for several hours before resuming later that day.
Fatal train accidents are uncommon in Japan, a country known for its efficient and punctual railway system.