The bullet train on the Joetsu Shinkansen line which derailed between Urasa and Nagaoka stations when strong earthquakes hit Niigata Prefecture Oct. 23

Although the train did not actually fall on the opposing track, which would have activated a warning signal, the derailed coaches were close enough to the other track that they would have been struck had another train been passing at the spot at the same time, possibly resulting in casualties.

The report by the Railway Accidents Investigation Committee of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry says twisted rails kept the undercarriage of the derailed train's lead car from actually coming in contact with the other track.

The report says more time is needed to pinpoint exactly how the derailment occurred.

Eight cars of the 10-car Toki No. 325 train, which was running on an elevated section in Nagaoka at 200 kph when the first of the powerful quakes hit, derailed and the four rear cars left the tracks completely. There were some 150 people on the train but they all escaped injury.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 29, 2005
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