JR Hokkaido Express Hits Bear, Derails in freezing conditions; 34 stranded overnight
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A JR Hokkaido express train collided with a wild bear on the Soya Line in northern Hokkaido late Friday, derailing the first carriage and stranding 34 passengers and crew in freezing overnight conditions. The incident occurred near Monbetsu station as the train travelled from Asahikawa to Wakkanai. All 34 people survived unharmed but faced near-zero temperatures inside the carriage until rescue operations began the following morning.
Key Points
- The Soya Line express was travelling from Asahikawa to Wakkanai when it struck a wild bear estimated at 300kg near Monbetsu station around 11pm Friday night
- The bear became trapped beneath the train, causing the first carriage to derail between Teshio-Nakagawa and Monbetsu stations
- Thirty-two passengers and two crew members were forced to spend the night in the cold carriages as rescue teams could not inspect the situation until Saturday morning
- JR Hokkaido staff accompanied by hunters inspected the scene at 6:30am Saturday and confirmed the bear was still caught under the train with visible wheel derailment
- Evacuation via taxis began at 9:30am Saturday, and JR Soya Line express services to Wakkanai have been suspended for the entire day
Why It Matters
The derailment highlights the operational challenges faced by rural railways in Hokkaido's wilderness areas, where wildlife collisions pose a persistent safety risk. With five trains cancelled Saturday and tomorrow's service still uncertain, thousands of travellers relying on the Soya Line—particularly in the lead-up to winter tourism season—face significant disruption to their plans .
The derailment highlights the operational challenges faced by rural railways in Hokkaido's wilderness areas, where wildlife collisions pose a persistent safety risk. With five trains cancelled Saturday and tomorrow's service still uncertain, thousands of travellers relying on the Soya Line—particularly in the lead-up to winter tourism season—face significant disruption to their plans .