Daily Lessons from Life 02 March 2013 - High-speed bullet train derails in Japan: media

Mum came back from visiting relatives in Auckland this evening after a 6-month period. We are all very happy to welcome her back to Singapore! The kids love it and so do we, the sons and daughters-in-law.

"High-speed bullet train derails in Japan: media - AFP 02 March 2013

TOKYO: A Japanese bullet train carrying about 130 passengers and crew derailed in heavy snow in northern Japan on Saturday, although there were no reports of injuries, media reports said.

The first car of the "Komachi" No. 25 bullet train came off the rails on the high-speed Akita Shinkansen line in Akita, Japan's national broadcaster NHK and other media said.

But there were no reports of injuries or casualties following the accident, NHK said, showing footage of railway officials checking the wheels of the train bound for Akita station.

NHK said the driver had brought the train to an emergency stop after hearing a loud noise.

The cause of the derailment has yet to be confirmed, but heavy snow may have resulted in the accident, local media said.

Immediate confirmation of the reports was not available. East Japan Railway, which operates the line, said on its website that bullet train services in the area had been suspended due to heavy snow."

An unusual incident for a railway line famous for its safety records. A country where many other train services in the world hold up as a model to emulate no less. The saving grace, as at this report, is there was not report of injuries to passengers.

Lessons for me are:

1. even the world safest railway line will have its 1st accident, hopefully  a minor and non-fatal one. Having said that, it will be instrumental to learn what are the possible causes for this derailment. It will be for Japan as well as other countries who are developing or deploying high speed train railway system as the major transportation means;

2. the initial response will be to blame the unusually 'heavy snow'. Given the gravity of such an incident, it will be prudent to be very specific and sure if 'heavy snow' is indeed the only reason for this derailment. I am sure the Japanese authorities will get to the bottom of the cause or causes;

3. Singapore will NEVER, even though I normally advocate 'never say never', have heavy snows as the reason for a rail car derailment incident. At least not in the foreseeable future given that the world weather did exhibit some truly unusual patterns lately. So, what type of lessons can we draw from this incident? Maybe point no. 1 will be our key learning point. Even the safest railway line will have its 1st accident. The main accident that I am most concerned for now for the MRT lines is the 'fire caused by short-circuit' a week back between Newton and Novena stations. While the initial report put it down to 'short-circuit' and that 'the wiring or cabling had been checked', it may be worthwhile for the authorities to hold a 'REAL fire evacuation drill' at some of our MRT stations. 

It will be indeed very tragic should any life be lost due to this oversight.