Tokyo Rail Derailment Causes Commuter Chaos
At Shibuya Station before 8 p.m., long queues for buses stretched beyond sight, with staff guiding passengers at the back of the lines. One commuter said, “I’ve already prepared for remote work tomorrow before heading home,” while another added, “It usually takes about 10 minutes by train, but it took me nearly an hour.”
The accident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on October 5th, when a local train bound for Shibuya collided with a stationary out-of-service train at Kajigaya Station in Kawasaki City. According to Tokyu Corporation, the out-of-service train was being operated by a trainee driver who exceeded the regulated speed, triggering the automatic braking system designed to prevent overruns. As a result, the train stopped earlier than scheduled, leaving its rear car protruding onto the main track where it was struck by the oncoming train.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, but service was suspended between Shibuya and nearby sections, causing severe disruption during the morning rush.
At Mizonokuchi Station, located next to Kajigaya, long lines formed for replacement buses and taxis as early as 7:30 a.m. One commuter said, “I was supposed to arrive by 8:45, so I probably won’t make it on time. I’ll have to call my workplace.”
The disruption also affected families and travelers. At Saginuma Station, a parent said, “It’s my daughter’s birthday, and we were heading to Sanrio Puroland. Since trains are down, we’re waiting for a taxi to the nearest operating station.” Some commuters chose to walk across the suspended section to reach stations where trains were still running.
The suspension also extended to academic institutions. Komazawa University, which operates three campuses in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, canceled all in-person classes for the day.
One second-year student who came to campus for club activities said he was planning to attend a live concert near Haneda Airport in the evening. “As long as I arrive by around 7 p.m., it’s fine. Since the trains aren’t running, I might take a LUUP e-scooter to Haneda,” he said. However, rental scooters along the Den-en-toshi Line had become scarce.
After managing to find one, the student said it would take about an hour to reach the venue.
With a full day having passed since the accident, there was still no clear timeline for when services on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line would resume.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147175.php
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