Family members of two Chinese tourists killed by train in Kobe call for justice

17th January 2025 – (Kobe) On the afternoon of 9th January, a tragic incident unfolded at a railroad crossing in Tarumi Ward, Kobe City, where two Chinese women in their twenties were fatally struck by a train. The collision occurred just before 4pm near Nishimaiko Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway line, with preliminary investigations suggesting that the women may have mistakenly waited for a traffic signal inside the lowered crossing gate.

Closed-circuit television footage revealed that the women were likely under the impression that the area was a safe waiting zone. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the narrow space and the design of the crossing created a perilous environment for pedestrians. One local resident remarked, “There’s a traffic signal immediately after the railroad crossing, but the waiting space is so narrow that it feels extremely dangerous.”

According to reports, the train operator noticed the women standing inside the gate moments before the collision, highlighting the potential confusion that can arise at such crossings. The area is known for its steep slope and limited visibility, which could lead to dangerous situations, particularly for elderly pedestrians.

Following the incident, a significant outpouring of grief and concern emerged within the local community and among Chinese nationals in Japan. On 14th January, family members of the victims visited the site, calling out their loved ones’ names in anguish, expressing their profound loss with cries of “bring you home.”

Chinese bloggers and social media users have pointed out serious safety issues at the crossing. They argue that the warning signals and signage primarily use Japanese, potentially creating language barriers for foreign tourists. This lack of multilingual guidance may contribute to misunderstandings about the crossing’s safety protocols.

The Sanyo Electric Railway, which operates the line, has a troubling history at this location, with four accidents, including one fatality, recorded since 2009. This has prompted calls from the community for an urgent review of safety measures at the crossing.

Meanwhile, the families of the victims are seeking legal assistance to hold the railway company accountable. They aim to argue that inadequate safety management contributed to the tragic accident, advocating for improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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