A serious incident occurred on the San'yō Shinkansen Line on January 21, 2025, when the Nozomi 28 train, traveling from Hakata to Tokyo, struck a person at the Hakata Station. The collision, reported to have happened at approximately 12:40 PM, led to significant service disruptions affecting both directions of the train between Hiroshima and Hakata.
According to JR West, the driver of the Nozomi train recounted the harrowing moment, stating, "A person jumped onto the tracks as the train was passing by." Miraculously, there were no injuries among the passengers onboard, but the impact of the accident rippled through the rail service for several hours.
Following the incident, service was temporarily halted along the affected sections. Passengers, dependent on the San'yō Shinkansen for their travels, were left stranded as the disruption lasted for about three hours and thirty-five minutes. The chaos at the station was palpable as emergency responders rushed to the scene, prompting several onlookers to seek clarity. One female traveler recalled, "When I arrived at the station just after the accident, the police and firefighting rescue teams were busy at work. I was thinking of other transport options as I waited, not knowing when it would start again."
To convey the situation to those present, employees set up information boards to keep waiting customers informed about the status of train services. Many passengers, confused and anxious, approached staff for updates, eager to understand when they could expect trains to resume. Reports from the scene indicated the remarkable response from the local authorities, who were swift to secure the area and assist anyone needing help.
JR West announced the resumption of services around 4:15 PM on the same day, just under four hours after the initial stoppage. Although train operations resumed, passengers remained wary, as delays continued on connected lines, impacting larger travel plans for many. The disruptions even extended to the Kyushu Shinkansen, leaving travelers with complicated routes and adjustments.
The circumstances surrounding how the accident transpired are currently under investigation. Officials have noted the Shinkansen train traveled through the central tracks, where it does not typically stop. Understanding the reasons behind the unfortunate incident remains imperative to preventing future occurrences.
Transportation has resumed, and services have begun to stabilize. Travelers are urged to check for the latest updates before heading to the station. JR West continues to extend its support and assistance to those affected by the accident as they evaluate and implement safety measures moving forward.