Overview of the Accident
On April 25, 2005, a devastating derailment accident occurred on the Fukuchiyama Line in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The tragedy claimed the lives of 107 people, making it one of the worst railway accidents in Japanese history.
The accident took place on a curved section of the track between Tsukaguchi Station and Amagasaki Station. A seven-car rapid train, bound for Fukuchiyama from Takarazuka, derailed and overturned after entering the curve at a speed significantly exceeding the limit.
Cause 1: Excessive Speed
The direct cause of the accident was the train’s excessive speed on the curved section of the track. The speed limit for the curve was set at 70 km/h (43 mph), but investigations revealed that the train had entered the curve at a speed of 116 km/h (72 mph).
Due to the high speed, the train experienced a strong centrifugal force, causing it to derail and leave the tracks. The derailed cars crashed into a parking lot beside the tracks, resulting in extensive damage and overturning.
Cause 2: Human Error by the Train Driver
The excessive speed was attributed to human error on the part of the train driver. On the day of the accident, the driver was operating a train that departed 10 minutes earlier than his usual schedule due to a day shift training program. In an attempt to adhere to the timetable, the driver pushed the train beyond the speed limit, leading to the tragic outcome.
Furthermore, it was noted that the driver failed to perform a speed check before entering the curve. Had the driver conducted the speed check, he might have noticed the excessive speed and taken corrective measures to prevent the accident.
Contributing Factor 1: Corporate Culture Prioritizing Punctuality Over Safety
The accident brought to light a concerning corporate culture within West Japan Railway Company (JR West) that prioritized punctuality over safety. At the time of the accident, JR West had a prevailing atmosphere that emphasized adherence to timetables rather than ensuring the safety of passengers.
Moreover, the train involved in the accident lacked the Automatic Train Stop (ATS) system, which could have detected the excessive speed and automatically brought the train to a halt. The absence of this crucial safety feature was attributed to cost-cutting measures, highlighting the company’s misplaced priorities.
Contributing Factor 2: Inadequate Training and Education
Inadequacies in the training and education of train drivers were also identified as a contributing factor to the accident. The driver involved in the accident was undergoing day shift training, which meant he was operating a train with a different schedule than he was accustomed to.
The day shift training program aimed to enhance the skills of train drivers. However, the content and guidance provided during the training were found to be insufficient, placing undue pressure on the drivers instead of supporting their development.
Lessons Learned and Preventing Future Accidents
The Fukuchiyama Line derailment accident was a result of a combination of factors, including excessive speed, human error, a corporate culture that prioritized punctuality over safety, and inadequate training and education.
In the wake of this tragedy, JR West has taken steps to improve safety measures. These initiatives include the installation of ATS-P (Automatic Train Stop with Pattern Recognition), a review of driver training programs, and the strengthening of safety management systems.
To prevent the recurrence of such accidents, it is crucial to foster a corporate culture that prioritizes safety above all else and to implement continuous safety measures. Each and every one of us must learn from the lessons of this tragedy and strive to create a society that values and ensures the safety of all individuals.
