National News Death toll rises in train crash

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AMAGASAKI, Hyogo Pref. (AP) - Hopes of finding more surviｖors from Japan's worst train crash in decades evaporated April 28 as workers lifted more bodies from the tangled wreckage, bringing the Death toll to at least 106.

The accident occurred on the morning of April 25 near a railway crossing on JR West's Fukuchiyama Line. The train was headed for Amagasaki Station after overrunning its stopping point at Itami Station by about 40 meters.

As it approached a curve in the tracks, the first five cars derailed, with the first one plowing into a nine-floor condominium's ground-floor parking garage about 6 meters from the tracks. The second car was flattened after crashing into the corner of the building.

The investigators said that the train approached the curve at more than 100 kilometers per hour when it derailed, although the speed limit there is 70 kilometers per hour.

Sources said the inexperienced 23-year-old driver, who died in the crash, was speeding to make up for the delay at Itami Station.

At least 458 people were injured, and the death toll is expected to rise.

JR西脱線事故、死者数増加

兵庫県尼崎市のJR福知山線で4月25日朝に起きた電車脱線事故で、28日までに106人の死亡が確認された。

Shukan ST: May 6, 2005

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