A tragic incident occurred on January 9, 2023, at approximately 3:48 PM at the Yamagawanishi crossing in Tarumi Ward, Kobe, where the Sanyo Electric Railway experienced significant service disruptions following a fatal accident. Two women were struck by one of the local trains operating between Hankyu Kobe Sannomiya and Sanyo Himeji, leading to the unfortunate deaths of both victims.
According to police reports, one of the women was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the news has left the local community in shock.
Officials confirmed the train involved was part of the local service, consisting of three cars, which typically operates along the busy corridor connecting various stations. Following the accident, train services were halted between Kasumigaoka Station and Sanyo Akashi Station, creating a ripple effect across the railway system. Approximately 30 trains were delayed, affecting around 5,000 passengers who were left stranded or forced to seek alternative transportation.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident, aiming to gather details on the events leading up to the accident. The two women have yet to be positively identified, but police are diligently working to confirm their identities and notify their families.
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with railway crossings, especially during peak hours. Passengers and commuters are reminded to always exercise caution when near railway tracks and crossings, where such tragic events can occur unexpectedly.
After several hours of disruption, services resumed at approximately 5:27 PM, allowing trains to operate normally once again. Nevertheless, this incident serves as a significant reminder of the importance of safety on transportation systems and the impacts of such accidents on the wider community.
Local authorities are appealing to witnesses of the accident to come forward with any information they might have. The police will be conducting thorough investigations to establish the facts surrounding the accident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
With the community now facing the aftereffects of this tragic accident, both the railway authorities and the police stress the need for increased safety measures at crossings. More awareness and vigilance will hopefully lead to preventative actions to safeguard passengers and pedestrians alike.