Four Railway Workers Killed in Train Collision at Shin-Kanuma Station

Four railway workers were killed after being struck by a train at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:46 a.m. local time (01:46 GMT) as the crew was clearing vegetation from the tracks, according to local media.

Upon arrival, emergency responders found three workers trapped beneath the train and a fourth on the platform, police stated.

Service on the Tobu Nikko Line has been halted following the crash, the operating railway company said.

A passenger aboard the train informed NHK that they heard an unusual noise moments before the train performed an emergency stop.

He added that passengers remained onboard for some time while crew members announced they were investigating the source of the noise.

NHK reported that the train involved was a limited express service, which ranks as the second‑fastest category in Japan, behind only the Shinkansen bullet trains.

Normally a staff member would be posted nearby to alert track workers of approaching trains, but it remains uncertain whether such a presence was in place on Thursday morning, the Asahi Shimbun noted.

Fatal railway accidents are uncommon in Japan, despite its extensive rail network.

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