Hokkaido Limited Express Train Hits Bear at Night, Derailing First Car

A limited express train bound for Wakkanai in Hokkaido, Japan, was involved in a rare accident late last night on a northern railway line, colliding with a bear and causing its lead carriage to derail. The train was traveling from Sapporo to the northern port city of Wakkanai when it was forced to stop in the early morning hours following the collision, leaving 32 passengers and crew members to spend the night inside the carriages. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the post-accident emergency response highlighted the railway operator's crisis management capabilities.

The incident occurred along the Wakkanai line in northeastern Hokkaido, a route renowned for its expansive coastline and scenic vistas. Limited express trains typically operate at night, offering convenient transit for travelers. However, Hokkaido experiences extreme winter weather, with snow depths reaching tens of centimeters, prompting wildlife—particularly brown bears—to cross along the