Tokyo: A crack has been found in a Japanese "bullet train" that could have caused a derailment, officials said Wednesday, in the first-ever "serious incident" for the iconic mode of transport.
Crew aboard a "shinkansen" bullet train reported a burning smell and strange noises when it pulled out of a station in southern Japan on Monday.
The train stopped for checks at Nagoya station in central Japan and inspectors discovered a crack in the chassis under one carriage as well as an oil leak.
If the train had continued to run, the crack could have caused it to derail in the worst-case scenario, transport officials said.
About 1,000 passengers aboard were unhurt and they continued their journey on fresh trains.
"We recognise it as a 'serious incident' as it was an extraordinary case... It could have led to an accident," said an official at the Japan Transport Safety Board.
It is the first such "serious incident" since the predecessor to the safety board was created in 2001, she said.
"We have sent three inspectors (to Nagoya) to find out the cause. Their report will include measures to prevent a recurrence," said the official, who declined to be named.
Japanese shinkansens have been derailed before due to earthquakes but no-one has been hurt.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Crew aboard a "shinkansen" bullet train reported a burning smell and strange noises when it pulled out of a station in southern Japan on Monday.
The train stopped for checks at Nagoya station in central Japan and inspectors discovered a crack in the chassis under one carriage as well as an oil leak.
About 1,000 passengers aboard were unhurt and they continued their journey on fresh trains.
Advertisement
It is the first such "serious incident" since the predecessor to the safety board was created in 2001, she said.
Advertisement
Japanese shinkansens have been derailed before due to earthquakes but no-one has been hurt.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
More Than 40% Of Japanese Companies Have No Plan To Make Use Of AI: Reuters Poll Japan Footballer Kaishu Sano Arrested For Alleged Sex Assault: Reports Japanese AI Startup Turns Dating AI Into Reality World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage Why BJP Lost Lok Sabha Polls In Uttar Pradesh - 6 Reasons In Party Report Puja Khedkar's Mother Was Hiding In Lodge As "Indubai" Using Fake ID Delhi Court Refers BRS leader K Kavitha To AIIMS For Medical Check-Up Indian Fintech Sector To Reach $420 Billion By 2029: Digital Payments Body Fix Your FASTag On Windshield Else Pay Double. See New SOPs Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.