A train separates into two at 315 km/h in Japan
This page is translated from the original post "Un train se sépare en deux à 315 km/h au Japon" in French.
- 21/09/2024 18:18
This is a unique incident to date that occurred this week on a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train.
Nicknamed “Bullet Train,” the Shinkansen is the Japanese equivalent of our TGV. A marvel on rails capable of reaching 320 km/h in regular service with impeccable reliability, just like its French counterpart. But exceptions prove the rule, and the Japanese high-speed train has just experienced its first major incident, fortunately without any injuries.
A Shinkansen was indeed forced to make an emergency stop last Thursday after the two units that compose it uncoupled at high speed. The train was traveling between the Furukawa and Sendai stations in Miyagi Prefecture early in the morning when the incident occurred. East Japan Railway (JR East) stated that this is the first time that two connected trains have uncoupled while in motion and has launched a comprehensive investigation of all trains to determine the cause of the disconnection and ensure that there is no risk of recurrence.
A train like no other
The train in question, Hayabusa Komachi No. 6, consisted of two Shinkansen units, one Hayabusa with ten cars and 200 passengers, and one Komachi with seven cars and 120 passengers. The two were connected at the locomotive level, in a model strictly identical to that of double TGVs.
No cars derailed, and the trains came to a gentle stop after the activation of safety systems. A small lesson for SNCF, the Japanese operator immediately ensured that the air conditioning systems continued to function normally, a snack was served to all passengers to keep them comfortable during the immobilization, and they were all refunded within 48 hours.
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