Hole under Tokyu Toyoko Line disrupts train operations

The Yomiuri Shimbun

December 14, 2021

A large hole was found Monday under the sleepers of the Tokyu Toyoko Line near Hiyoshi Station in Kohoku Ward, Yokohama. Train operations were suspended for about three hours between Musashi-Kosugi and Kikuna stations on the Toyoko Line and between Musashi-Kosugi and Hiyoshi stations on the Meguro Line, affecting about 63,700 passengers.

According to Tokyu Railways, an employee discovered the hole at around 2:45 p.m. Monday during a patrol. Ballast stones under the rails on a Tokyo-bound track had sunk to a depth of 50 to 100 centimeters over an area about 50 centimeters wide at a location about 170 meters from Hiyoshi Station in the direction of Motosumiyoshi Station. A cavity up to 2 meters wide was found underground.

Train operations were resumed after the hole was filled and safety was checked by running a train without passengers over the spot. No one was injured, and Tokyu Railways is investigating the cause.