Tokaido Shinkansen Train Makes Emergency Stop; Bear Repellent Spray? 5 Passengers Complain of Pain

The Yomiuri Shimbun

22:44 JST, December 2, 2023

The Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari 518 was canceled after a substance was sprayed onboard at around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, according to Central Japan Railway Co. The train, bound for Tokyo from Okayama, made an emergency stop at Hamamatsu Station.

According to the Hamamatsu Fire Department, five female passengers complained of pain in their eyes and throats, and two were taken to the hospital. Both have reportedly mild symptoms.

Police said that a passenger’s bear repellent spray may have been accidentally used.