Rapid Train Stranded on Seto Ohashi Line for 6 Hours, Passengers Rescued
On November 10, 2024, a rapid train, "Marine Liner No. 10," came to a halt on the Seto Ohashi Bridge in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, stranding approximately 150 passengers for about six hours. The following is an overview of the incident and its impact:
Incident Details
- Time of Occurrence: Around 7:35 a.m.
- Location: Seto Ohashi Line (between Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, and Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture)
- Train Involved: Rapid "Marine Liner No. 10"
- Route: From Takamatsu Station (Kagawa) to Okayama Station (Okayama)
- Number of Passengers: About 150
- Train Composition: 7 cars
Cause of the Incident
- The train stopped due to a severed overhead wire.
- The train's pantograph was likely damaged, which may be related to the severed overhead wire.
- Further investigation is underway.
Rescue Operations
- Passenger Rescue: JR Shikoku dispatched another train from Kojima Station to rescue the passengers.
- At around 1:30 p.m., passengers were transferred to the other train and taken to Kojima Station.
- Arrival Time at Kojima Station: 2:15 p.m.
- Passenger Status: No injuries or health issues were reported. While the prolonged wait caused inconvenience, no serious issues arose.
Impact and Response
- Suspended Train Services: Operations on the Seto Ohashi Line were halted between Kojima Station and Utazu Station (in Utazu, Kagawa Prefecture).
- Service Resumption: Operations resumed after 8 p.m.
- Impact on Operations:
- 107 trains were canceled.
- 6 trains were delayed by up to one hour.
- Approximately 15,000 passengers were affected.
Investigation Status
- A major power outage affected the entire Shikoku region on November 9; however, the railway’s substations were unaffected, and no connection to this incident has been established.
Future Challenges
- Cause Investigation and Preventive Measures: JR Shikoku is investigating the cause of the pantograph damage and the severed overhead wire, as well as exploring measures to prevent recurrence.
- Strengthening the Operations System: To prevent long-term stranding, faster alternative transport and rescue measures need to be put in place.
While this incident caused significant disruption, it is fortunate that no major accidents or injuries occurred. The focus now will be on preventing a recurrence.
