Hong Kong tourist killed in Japan after being hit by train while taking photos


The Hokkaido Railway temporarily suspended its train services following the incident. - PHOTO: PEXELS via The Straits Times/ANN

OTARU, Hokkaido (The Straits Times/ANN): A Hong Kong tourist was killed in Japan after a train rammed into her while she was taking photos on the tracks.

The incident, which occurred in the coastal city of Otaru in Hokkaido, took place at about 11.30am on Jan 23, reported Japanese media.

The 61-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition, where she was pronounced dead.

The Hokkaido Railway temporarily suspended its train services following the incident, said The Japan Times. The suspension affected 19 trains and about 8,200 passengers.

The woman was in an area out of bounds to the public, trying to take photos of the ocean, when the train hit her. She was on holiday with her husband.

Following the incident, locals have voiced their concerns about disruptions caused by tourists’ actions, such trespassing, ignoring traffic rules and stepping onto the road for photos.

One resident told TV station Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting that the incident was “an accident waiting to happen”.

“Tourists regularly take photos between the crossing gates. Trains have been stopped multiple times as a result.”

Another resident told local broadcaster Sapporo TV: “People walk right next to the tracks. Even when the crossing alarm sounds, they stop in the middle to take photos. We shout, ‘A train is coming!’ but they don’t move.”

The Immigration Department said it has reached out to the Commissioner’s Office of China’s foreign ministry in Hong Kong and the Chinese consulate in Sapporo to learn more about the incident, reported the South China Morning Post. The department has also contacted the deceased’s family to provide assistance.

On Jan 20, a Filipino tourist was hit by an oncoming train while posing for a photo in Taipei, Taiwan. She sustained a deep cut on her face and will possibly be fined for trespassing on the railway line. - The Straits Times/ANN

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Hong Kong , Tourists , dead , Hit , By Train , Hokkaido - Japan

Next In Aseanplus News

Teen Carousell scammer in Singapore admits to cheating offences, impregnating underage girl
Singapore to fork out billions for Changi airport upgrades
India's Gauhati High Court grants interim bail to YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani in obscenity case
Scandal-hit Bangkok MP denies sexual assault allegations against Taiwanese tourist
Part-time training allowance, corporate income tax rebate: Singapore's Budget 2025 help for workers and firms
Singapore's Budget 2025 to see 9.6% rise in expenditure
Wishing we last Pho-ever: Eatery owner in Vietnam goes viral as Faye Wong lookalike
Philippines reports foreign cyber intrusions targeting intelligence data, but no breaches
HK actor Louis Koo shocked as fan appears to kiss him on the cheek without permission
EPF top brass must explain 'sell low, buy high' of MAHB shares because it involves money belonging to the public, says Dr Wee

Others Also Read