Bear Collision Derails Hokkaido Express, Halts Services

A four-car Sarobetsu limited express derailed on Hokkaido’s Soya Line late October 30 after striking a bear while traveling from Asahikawa to Wakkanai. The train’s lead car partially left the tracks, but none of the 32 passengers and crew members were injured. Because the bear could still be alive and the area was unsafe in the dark, passengers remained aboard overnight and were evacuated by taxi after railway staff and a hunter inspected the scene the next morning. JR Hokkaido suspended service on parts of the route, canceled trains and arranged substitute transportation while assessing track and train damage; investigators will examine the collision and derailment. The incident comes amid a rise in bear encounters and attacks across Japan.