Japanese police search Tobu Railway group company over fatal express train accident

Police have searched the offices of Tobu Kensetsu, a company within the Tobu Railway group, on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death. The search, conducted on August 23, follows a tragic accident on August 20 where four workers were killed after being struck by an express train. The incident occurred north of Tokyo as the workers were engaged in removing weeds from the railway tracks.

The accident took place around 10:45 a.m. local time at Shin-kanuma Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. At the time of the incident, a total of 10 workers from various companies were on the tracks. Eight were involved in clearing weeds, while two were designated as lookouts responsible for monitoring approaching trains and warning the work crew.

Investigators believe that Tobu Kensetsu failed to ensure the safety of the workers due to inadequate coordination. According to Tobu Railway's safety protocols, a designated lookout must visually confirm the approach of any trains and alert the workers to move to safety. One of the deceased was a site supervisor employed by Tobu Kensetsu, highlighting the company's direct involvement and responsibility in overseeing the work site.

The police are focusing their investigation on whether the company's safety management and coordination procedures were sufficient to prevent such a fatal outcome. The search of Tobu Kensetsu's premises is part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and to gather evidence related to potential professional negligence.