4 Workers Killed by Express Train During Track Maintenance in Japan

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Tokyo: Four railway maintenance workers lost their lives on Thursday morning after being hit by a high-speed train north of Tokyo, local officials confirmed.

The tragic accident took place around 10:46 am local time at Shin-Kanuma Station along the Tobu Nikko Line. The victims were clearing weeds from the active train tracks when a limited express train collided with them. Emergency responders found three of the maintenance crew trapped beneath the train carriage, while the fourth worker was thrown onto the station platform.

The railway operator immediately halted operations along the Tobu Nikko Line following the crash. Passengers aboard the limited express train reported hearing an unusual noise before the vehicle triggered an emergency brake, leaving commuters stranded while railway staff investigated the incident.

Standard safety protocols in Japan typically require a dedicated lookout to alert track maintenance crews of incoming trains, but authorities have not yet confirmed if a spotter was present during the work. Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing.

While Japan's extensive rail network is world-renowned for its safety and efficiency, fatal track incidents remain exceptionally rare.