TOKYO – The Tokaido Shinkansen service between Tokyo and Nagoya stations was partially suspended on July 22 following a collision and derailment involving two maintenance trains in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture. As of 11 a.m., train service between Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture and Nagoya stations remains halted, with restoration efforts expected to continue into the evening. It remains uncertain when full services will resume.
Central Japan Railway Co (JR Tokai) reported that the incident occurred at 3:35 a.m. when two maintenance trains collided. One train was stationary after completing maintenance work between Toyohashi and Mikawa-Anjo stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. The impact caused both trains to derail, leading to significant disruptions in service.
A male train operator suffered a minor cut on his forehead, while another male worker sustained a bruise on his leg. Both injuries were treated at the scene. Restoration efforts are underway, with inspections of the track and the derailed trains being conducted. JR Tokai plans to use cranes to remove the derailed trains, but oil spillages at the site have complicated the process and contributed to delays.
In addition to JR Tokai’s inspection, the Aichi prefectural police are conducting their own investigation into the incident, focusing on potential professional negligence resulting in injury. The Tokaido Shinkansen is a critical artery for Japan’s transportation network, connecting major cities and facilitating the movement of millions of passengers annually. The disruption highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols and efficient maintenance procedures to ensure the reliability of this high-speed rail service.