Tobu Railway workers killed in Tochigi train accident

Four maintenance workers were killed after being struck by a Tobu Nikko Line limited express train, the Spacia X, during weeding operations at Shin-Kanuma Station in Tochigi Prefecture.

Reports indicate a breakdown in safety protocols. While the train driver stated he received a signal from a lookout and sounded his whistle according to regulations, investigations suggest a failure in communication. One lookout reportedly stated they were traveling by car toward their designated position when the accident occurred, suggesting they were not at their post to provide timely warnings.

Of the seven workers on the tracks at the time, three survived by climbing onto a platform. The incident has prompted the Japan Transport Safety Board and local police to investigate the cause, focusing on whether the lookout was in the correct position and why the workers were unable to evacuate. The accident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding daytime maintenance work conducted between scheduled train services to address labor shortages.