[JP] Fire Breaks Out in Maglev Test Train at Yamanashi Facility
Posted: 22. May 2025, 16:49
Fire Breaks Out in Maglev Test Train at Yamanashi Facility — No Injuries Reported
On May 21, a fire broke out in a maglev train undergoing maintenance at the Chuo Shinkansen test center in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
JR Central has canceled scheduled test runs for May 22 and 23 and is investigating the cause and details of the incident in cooperation with local police.
Around 6:30 p.m., an employee reported seeing smoke coming from a stationary vehicle at the test center’s depot in Asahisobe, Tsuru. When firefighters arrived, there were no visible flames, and the fire was confirmed to be extinguished about 30 minutes later. No one was injured.
According to JR Central, the fire started in a test train that had just completed a run and was parked in the depot. While turning off the power supply in the lead car, smoke and flames were noticed coming from the power unit.
The affected equipment is now being repaired, and test operations will resume only after safety has been fully confirmed.
A similar incident occurred six years ago at the same facility, in which three people were injured. However, JR Central noted that the circumstances and equipment involved in the current case are different.
JR Central’s Tokyo PR office stated, “We will thoroughly investigate the cause and take all necessary measures.”
Info based on NHK Japan: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOFD ... 5A5000000/ 2025-05-22
On May 21, a fire broke out in a maglev train undergoing maintenance at the Chuo Shinkansen test center in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
JR Central has canceled scheduled test runs for May 22 and 23 and is investigating the cause and details of the incident in cooperation with local police.
Around 6:30 p.m., an employee reported seeing smoke coming from a stationary vehicle at the test center’s depot in Asahisobe, Tsuru. When firefighters arrived, there were no visible flames, and the fire was confirmed to be extinguished about 30 minutes later. No one was injured.
According to JR Central, the fire started in a test train that had just completed a run and was parked in the depot. While turning off the power supply in the lead car, smoke and flames were noticed coming from the power unit.
The affected equipment is now being repaired, and test operations will resume only after safety has been fully confirmed.
A similar incident occurred six years ago at the same facility, in which three people were injured. However, JR Central noted that the circumstances and equipment involved in the current case are different.
JR Central’s Tokyo PR office stated, “We will thoroughly investigate the cause and take all necessary measures.”
Info based on NHK Japan: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOFD ... 5A5000000/ 2025-05-22