Editorial

15:46 JST, April 26, 2025

The most important duty and responsibility of public transit is to safely transport passengers to their destinations. It is important not to pursue profits or efficiency alone, but to always keep in mind that safety comes first.

Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the JR Fukuchiyama Line derailment accident, which claimed the lives of 106 passengers and the driver and injured 562 others. A memorial service organized by West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) near the accident site in the city of Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, was attended by about 340 people, including bereaved family members and other individuals with connections to the accident.

The rapid train involved in the accident entered a curve at 116 kph, significantly exceeding the speed limit. Some of the cars derailed and rammed into a condominium building........

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