Door Opens Unexpectedly on Tokyo-Bound Limited Express Kaiji; Transport Ministry Classifies Case as Serious Incident

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:59 JST, March 30, 2026

The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry announced Sunday that a door opened unexpectedly while JR East Chuo Line Limited Express Kaiji was running on Saturday.

None of the approximately 250 passengers were injured. The Ministry classified the case as a serious incident. The Japan Transport Safety Board will investigate the cause.

According to the announcement, the driver noticed that a door was open on the control panel, while the express bound for Shinjuku in Tokyo from Kofu was traveling through Otsuki in Yamanashi Prefecture around 2 p.m.

After stopping the train using the emergency brakes, it was confirmed that a door on the left side was open.