Four workers dead after being hit by train in Japan

TOKYO – Four workers in Japan have died after being struck by a train at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, authorities say.

Key points

• The collision happened around 10: 46 local time (01: 46 BST) on Thursday while the workers were spraying herbicide, remarked Tobu Railway, the operator of the line.
• Train service was suspended on the Tobu Nikko Line due to the accident, according to Tobu Railway.
• The fatalities, who were in their 50s and 60s, were among a team of ten working at the site on Thursday, railway authorities stated.
• Tobu Railway general manager Takao Suzuki remarked the business offered "our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and heartfelt apologies to their families".
• Police are investigating if safety guidelines were followed when the accident happened, Tobu Railway authorities informed a press conference.

Notably, the collision happened around 10: 46 local time (01: 46 BST) on Thursday while the workers were spraying herbicide, remarked Tobu Railway, the operator of the line.

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Meanwhile, a passenger on the train informed Japanese public broadcaster NHK that they heard a "strange noise" before the train produced an emergency stop.

He remarked passengers were stuck on the train for a while as staff unveiled that they were investigating the noise.

Fatal train accidents are rare in Japan. It relies on a sprawling railway network.

Notably, the train involved in Thursday's incident was a limited express train, according to NHK. After the Shinkansen or bullet train, these are the second-fastest trains in Japan.

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Notably, the fatalities, who were in their 50s and 60s, were among a team of ten working at the site on Thursday, railway authorities stated. The team additionally included a supervisor and three lookouts tasked with alerting workers to incoming trains.

While waving a yellow flag at the train driver, the lookouts generally employ whistles and microphones to alert the workers.

When asked repeatedly if anyone had been looking out for trains ahead of the accident, the authorities did not provide clear answers.

Meanwhile, a Tobu Railway representative informed the BBC earlier that the "usual lookout system was operating as normal". Tributes paid to legendary singer Nayyara Noor.

"When a train approaches, a lookout waves a flag and, once the driver acknowledges it, sounds the horn, " he remarked. "We are currently investigating why the accident occurred despite this."

"We also deeply apologise for the inconvenience caused to all those involved and to our customers, " he remarked. Jenna Fischer calls leaving television roles 'great' decision.

For now, four workers dead after being hit by train in Japan remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.