OSAKA, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - A van trapped at a railway crossing in Kaizuka, Osaka Prefecture, was struck by an oncoming train on September 23rd, killing 54-year-old driver Sayuri Hirokawa, with the entire incident captured on a surveillance camera.
Footage shows warning lights flashing at the crossing as a car drives inside, stops, and is hit seconds later by an express train.
According to police and Nankai Electric Railway, the accident occurred near Nankai Kaizuka Station at around 7:30 p.m. when Hirokawa’s car entered the crossing despite the barrier being down and was struck by the limited express Southern train. The force of the crash threw the vehicle about 20 meters.
A nearby resident said, "There was a loud bang, I thought it was a car crash. When I heard it involved a train, I was shocked."
The train driver reported spotting the car and applying the emergency brake immediately but was unable to stop in time. No passengers on the train were injured.
Police are investigating why the car entered the crossing after the barrier had lowered, focusing on the circumstances leading to the driver’s actions.
Source: YOMIURI