On the 28th, a JR limited express train entered Nagoya Station while the driver was asleep at the wheel.
Approximately 180 passengers were on board when the train came to an emergency stop just before reaching the platform.
According to JR Central, shortly after 3 p.m. on the 28th, an inbound “Hida” limited express train on the Tokaido Line attempted to enter its final destination, Nagoya Station, exceeding the speed limit by 16 kilometers per hour.
The cause was that the male driver (51) fell asleep at the wheel for about 23 seconds, causing the train’s safety system to activate its brakes and make an emergency stop about 100 meters before the station platform.
There were about 180 passengers on board at the time, but no one was injured.
The male driver has about 17 years of experience as a train driver, and there were no problems with his work performance or health on that day.
He reportedly said, “I wasn’t sleepy until just before. I woke up when the safety system chime sounded.” JR Central commented, “We will thoroughly instruct our drivers and strive to prevent a recurrence.” ■CTV NEWS
