Train Driver Dozes Off on Nagoya-bound Limited Express; Emergency Stop Triggered

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:49 JST, March 29, 2026

NAGOYA — A train driver dozed off while operating a limited express train, causing the train to make an emergency stop near Nagoya Station on Saturday, Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) announced Sunday.

The male driver was operating the Hida No. 10 limited express train from Takayama Station in Gifu Prefecture to Nagoya Station. None of the about 180 passengers on board were injured.

According to the JR Tokai public relations department, the four-car train was traveling at 71 kph, exceeding the required speed reduction to 55 kph as it approached Nagoya Station at about 3:05 p.m. Saturday. An automatic safety system triggered the emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt about 100 meters short of the station. The train eventually arrived at the station 11 minutes behind schedule.

The 51-year-old driver told an internal company investigation that he “temporarily dozed off.” Analysis of the driving records suggests he was asleep for about 23 seconds.

JR Tokai issued a statement saying: “We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We will strengthen our training and guidance to ensure that such an incident does not happen again.”