A Hayabusa-class Shinkansen bullet train experienced a significant and unusual slowdown while traveling through the undersea Seikan Tunnel on September 30. Operator JR Hokkaido confirmed the cause was not a mechanical failure but a lapse in concentration from the driver, who forgot to accelerate after a descent.
Key Takeaways
- A Hokkaido Shinkansen slowed to 36 km/h (22.4 mph) in a section where speeds can reach 160 km/h (99.4 mph).
- The incident occurred late on September 30 inside the Seikan Tunnel, which connects the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido.
- JR Hokkaido attributed the slowdown to the driver experiencing a "lapse in concentration" and forgetting to accelerate.
- Despite the slowdown, the train arrived at its destination on time, and no passengers were injured.
Details of the Incident
The event took place at approximately 11 p.m. on September 30. The Hayabusa Shinkansen was on its route from Tokyo to its final destination, Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station in Hokkaido. The train had just entered the Seikan Tunnel, a critical undersea link between Japan's main island of Honshu and the northern island of Hokkaido.
As is standard procedure, the train slowed down for its descent into the deeper sections of the tunnel. However, upon reaching the lowest point and beginning its ascent toward the Hokkaido exit, the train failed to regain its normal speed. Another crew member observed the unusually slow pace and notified the driver.
Speed Discrepancy
The train was traveling at just 36 kilometers per hour (22.4 miles per hour) during its ascent. The maximum safe operating speed for a Shinkansen in this section of the tunnel is 160 kilometers per hour (99.4 miles per hour). This represents a speed reduction of nearly 78% from the potential maximum.
Operator Confirms Human Error
Following an internal review, the train's operator, JR Hokkaido, issued a statement clarifying the reason for the slowdown. The company ruled out any mechanical issues with the train or problems with the track infrastructure. Instead, the cause was identified as human error.
According to the official report, the driver experienced a momentary lapse in concentration. After applying the brakes for the descent, the system automatically disengages them once the train reaches the bottom of the incline. At this point, the driver is required to manually re-engage acceleration for the uphill climb.
JR Hokkaido stated the incident was caused because "The driver spaced out."
The driver simply forgot to perform this crucial step. The train continued to move forward under its own momentum but did not accelerate as required. It was only after being alerted by a colleague that the driver realized the oversight and increased the train's speed.
No Impact on Schedule or Passenger Safety
JR Hokkaido confirmed that the acceleration, once applied, was smooth and did not cause any discomfort or alarm among the passengers. The time lost during the period of slow travel was recovered over the remainder of the journey.
The train successfully reached its final stop at Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station as scheduled. No injuries were reported, and passenger safety was never compromised during the event. The operator has since apologized for the incident and has stated it will implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Seikan Tunnel: An Engineering Marvel
The Seikan Tunnel is one of the longest and deepest railway tunnels in the world. It stretches 53.85 kilometers (33.46 miles) and has a 23.3-kilometer (14.5-mile) section that runs under the seabed of the Tsugaru Strait. At its deepest point, the track is 240 meters (790 feet) below sea level. The unique operational environment of the tunnel requires precise procedures from train crews.
The Shinkansen's Reputation for Precision
Japan's Shinkansen network is globally renowned for its speed, efficiency, and exceptional safety record. The system operates with a level of punctuality that is measured in seconds, not minutes. Delays of any kind are extremely rare, which makes any deviation from standard operating procedure a notable event.
While this incident did not result in a delay or safety risk, it highlights the critical role of human focus in even the most technologically advanced transportation systems. The swift identification of the issue by another crew member demonstrates the effectiveness of onboard checks and balances designed to maintain operational integrity.
JR Hokkaido's public apology and commitment to reinforcing procedures are standard practice for Japanese rail operators, reflecting the high value placed on reliability and public trust. The measures will likely involve retraining or updated protocols to ensure drivers remain fully engaged during all phases of a journey, particularly in unique environments like the Seikan Tunnel.
