Improper work instructions behind Tochigi fatal train accident

In a fatal train accident near Shin-Kanuma Station on the Nikko Line, four workers were killed while clearing weeds on railway tracks. The interim report from Tobu Railway, submitted to the Kanto District Transport Bureau on August 20, 2021, revealed crucial gaps in safety procedures. The accident occurred around 10:45 a.m. when a Spacia X limited express train struck and killed the workers.

A supervisor from Tobu Construction, the parent company of Tobu Railway, was initially assigned to serve as the site supervisor. However, this individual lacked experience in operations involving railway tracks. As a result, the supervisor did not provide proper work instructions to the railway lookouts and workers, effectively leaving the instructions to another supervisor who was off duty at the time.

The safety rules stipulated that a railway lookout should be positioned near the work site and two relay lookouts should be stationed near the railroad crossing about 300 meters away. However, the lookout on duty was fearful of scolding if he voiced concerns, and the relay lookouts were waiting at the crossing for instructions that never arrived. The workers had moved to an area near the platform for inbound trains, where they were engaged in weeding operations.

When the train approached, the lookout heard a relay lookout's radio message about the downed crossing gate and alerted the workers. The supervisor, who was unaware of the signal, saw the oncoming train and managed to evacuate everyone. However, the supervisor's superior and three other workers remained in their positions, colliding with the train.