Probe continues after express train running at 50 kph kills 4 workers

The ongoing investigation into the fatal incident involving an express train hitting four workers near Shin-kanuma Station in Japan continues, with police and prosecutors focusing on potential professional negligence. The Tobu Railway Co. reported that the Spacia X train, traveling at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour, struck the workers removing weeds from the tracks at around 10:45 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Police are interviewing workers present at the scene to gather information that could establish a case of professional negligence resulting in death. They are seeking details about whether the train driver applied the emergency brakes and if the approaching train's information was appropriately communicated among the workers. The transport ministry has dispatched investigators, urging Tobu Railway to investigate the cause, implement preventive measures, and ensure operational safety.

According to Tobu Railway, lookouts had been stationed around 300 meters away and closer to the station where the four workers were working, but communication was reportedly impossible at the time. The train driver sounded the horn after confirming that the lookout near the station had signaled with a flag that all workers had exited the tracks. No crew members or passengers were injured in the accident.