More than a third of the people who lost relatives in last year's fatal train crash in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, said they still have psychological wounds nearly a year later, according to a Kyodo News survey.
Conducted by either interview or questionnaire from late March to early April, the survey drew responses from 46 relatives of 43 of the dead. A quarter of the respondents have sought help from doctors or counselors, while a handful have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder.
On April 25, 2005, a rush-hour train on the JR Fukuchiyama Line derailed on a curve at more than 100 kph before crashing into a condominium complex, killing 106 passengers and the driver, who was apparently rushing to make up for lost time.
About half of the respondents were concerned that people's memories of the accident would eventually fade, with two-thirds calling for West Japan Railway Co., the carrier, to take steps to prevent the public from forgetting it.
A little more than half urged JR West to clarify responsibility for the accident.