News On Japan

Chemical leak on train leaves 6 injured with burns

SENDAI, Oct 09, 2023 (News On Japan) - Six passengers, including infants, were injured when chemicals leaked from the luggage carried by passengers on the Tohoku Shinkansen train that arrived at JR Sendai Station.

Around noon on Monday, a passenger onboard the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa No. 52 that arrived at Sendai Station reported to the fire department that their child had come into contact with a chemical substance and suffered burns.

At least six passengers, including a 5-year-old boy, suffered chemical burns and other injuries and were taken to the hospital. None of them have life-threatening injuries

According to police, the liquid was a chemical carried by a man in his 40s living in Tokyo who works for a company that conducts geological surveys.

The man heard from other passengers that "liquid was leaking from his luggage," and when he moved the luggage that had been placed at his feet, it is believed that the liquid leaked into the aisle and spread.

The police are currently gathering more details from the man about the situation.

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