Four workers dead after being hit by train in Japan

Four workers died in Japan after being hit by a train at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, according to authorities. The collision occurred around 10:46 local time on Thursday while the workers were applying herbicide, stated Tobu Railway, the operator of the line. Police are investigating whether safety guidelines were followed during the accident, Tobu Railway officials revealed during a press conference.

Train services were temporarily halted on the Tobu Nikko Line following the incident, as reported by Tobu Railway. A passenger on the train told public broadcaster NHK that they heard an unusual noise before the train made an emergency stop. Passengers were held on the train for some time while staff investigated the noise, NHK reported.

Fatal train accidents are uncommon in Japan, which boasts an extensive railway network. The train involved in Thursday's incident was a limited express train, according to NHK, which are the second-fastest trains in Japan, following the Shinkansen or bullet train. The victims, aged in their 50s and 60s, were part of a ten-person team working at the site on Thursday, railway officials reported.

The team consisted of a supervisor and three lookout personnel responsible for alerting workers to incoming trains. The lookouts typically use whistles, microphones, and a yellow flag to warn the workers, while signaling the train driver. When questioned repeatedly about whether anyone had been observing the trains ahead of the accident, the officials did not provide clear answers.

A Tobu Railway representative told the BBC earlier that the usual lookout system was functioning as normal. When queried about the train approach, the lookout waves a flag and, upon the driver's acknowledgment, sounds the horn, explained the representative. "We are currently investigating why the accident occurred despite this," said Tobu Railway general manager Takao Suzuki.

The company expressed deep condolences to the deceased and heartfelt apologies to their families and customers, stating they also deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to all those involved and to their customers.