Society

Worker killed in maglev tunnel collapse in Japan

Oct 28 (NHK) - A tunnel under construction for a maglev train line in Japan collapsed on Wednesday, leaving one worker dead and one injured.

The accident was reported at around 7:20 p.m. to the fire department of Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan.

Police say two workers were taken to a local hospital. A 44-year-old man was later confirmed dead. Another suffered serious injuries, including fractures.

The Central Japan Railway Company, or JR Tokai, said five workers were in the tunnel at the time of the accident. The company said the collapse occurred while they were checking the tunnel following blasting excavation conducted about 70 meters from the entrance.

The tunnel is an emergency exit for a 4.4-kilometer main tunnel. JR Tokai said the emergency tunnel will be 600 meters in length, and construction of the main tunnel had not yet started.

Police are investigating the accident.

JR Tokai said this was the first fatal accident during construction of the maglev line. The firm offered its condolences to the family of the deceased worker and pledged to prevent a recurrence.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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