Police Search Tobu Railway Subsidiary Offices After Four Workers Killed in Train Accident

Police have launched an investigation into a fatal accident that claimed the lives of four workers on the Tobu Nikko Line in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture. The incident occurred on June 20 when the workers, who were engaged in trackside vegetation removal, were struck by an express train. The tragedy has prompted authorities to take action against the company responsible for the work.

On the morning of June 23, investigators searched the premises of a subsidiary of Tobu Railway. The company had been contracted to perform the vegetation removal work where the accident took place. Police are investigating the subsidiary on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death, seeking to determine if safety protocols were adequately followed.

The accident has raised serious questions about safety procedures during track maintenance operations. The proximity of the workers to active train lines, especially during the performance of their duties, is under intense scrutiny. The investigation aims to uncover any lapses in safety management that may have contributed to the fatalities and to hold the responsible parties accountable.