So the monorail is out of commission because of the fire yesterday. Luckily there was no one majorly hurt, though there were plenty that went to the hospital to be treated for respiratory injuries. I’m just curious if people have heard anything new about why it happened. Pretty scary. Although last night while watching KOMO, they had interviewed a guy who said, “it wasn’t that bad.” Whoa. Big fire, lots of smoke. Meesh asked why they always had to interview the dorks. I had to agree.
Makes me wonder how much popularity will be lost because of this incident. Sometimes I wonder why no one asks the Japanese how they run their JR system. I can’t recall the last time I ever heard about any accidents. Unless they cover it up pretty well. Can’t imagine that!
Normally I’m not one to be afraid of riding trains, I’ve been riding trains just about all my life, albeit, in Japan.
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Bored
- Sad
- Angry
Information from this report compares rail accident investigating in different countries. Here is some info:
In the USA, the NTSB investigates all rail accidents and works to improve the safety of rail transportation. Info about the NTSB:
- Founded as early as in 1967
- The NTSB is under the control of Congress
- The NTSB investigates aviation, railway, road, pipeline and marine accidents
- Also incidents are investigated
- The purpose of the investigation is to improve safety and give information to survivors and families of victims
- The NTSB is probably the most experienced accident investigation organisation in the world. Accordingly its
investigators participate in investigations all over the world.
- Reports are public and some of them are also published on the Internet.
In Japan they have the Accident Investigation Study Commitee. A few facts about them:
- Founded in 1998 within the Ministry of Transport
- Investigates only rail accidents
- The organisation is weak because there is no law for accident investigation in Japan
- The purpose is to improve safety
- There have been discussions about establishing a stronger and more independent organisation
- Minor accidents are investigated by the operator itself
- The police has a notable role in investigations.
I would guess a lot of rail accidents or inccidents in Japan are not reported. Or, they are handled by the rail operator and not given much public attention. Here is an excellent article about the history of Japan’s Rail Development. Lots of interesting information is given in the article. A small excerpt from the article, “Passengers are especially dissatisfied with the lack of information provided after a mishap, and the railway’s attempts to sometimes conceal information.” Makes you wonder how safe the Japanese rails really are? and how much they hide?
I think the USA has one of the best Rail systems in the world. And I would feel safe travelling on them.
It doesn’t surprise me that you don’t hear about rail accidents too often. I’ve just never heard of any accidents myself. Of course, I could just be misinformed.
I don’t doubt that the US has one of the best rail systems in the world. I used to ride El all the time, the new york subway system, and so on. I just don’t think I’d feel too safe. I’d rather fly a plane. LOL
Hmm.. The only rail problems I remember from Japan were incidents – not accidents. Aum, of course, and lots of suicides.
I love riding the train in Japan – but it sure is expensive.
(Thanks for the hint on EE)