High-speed train service Tokyo-Osaka partially suspended due to collision with maintenance train

TOKYO – Tokaido Shinkansen service between Tokyo and Nagoya stations was suspended on July 22 after two maintenance trains derailed in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture.

Service between Hamamatsu stations in Shizuoka Prefecture and Nagoya was still suspended at 11 a.m. Restoration work is expected to continue into the evening. It is unclear when full service will resume.

According to Central Japan Railway Co (JR Tokai), two maintenance trains collided at 3:35 a.m. One of the trains was on the track after completing maintenance work between Toyohashi and Mikawa-Anjo stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. The collision caused the two trains to derail.

A male train conductor suffered a minor cut to his forehead, while another male worker suffered a bruise to his leg.

At the accident site, inspection of the tracks and derailed trains as well as further restoration work has begun.

According to JR Tokai, the derailed trains are being removed using a crane. Oil pollution was also found at the accident site, which led to delays in restoration work.

In addition to the inspection by JR Tokai, the Aichi Prefectural Police are planning their own on-site inspection. This is part of a larger investigation into the incident, as there is suspicion of professional negligence resulting in injuries. THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK