MATSUE, Shimane Pref. (Kyodo) A tractor-trailer rig Wednesday morning smashed through the guard rail on a bridge crossing the JR Sanin Line in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, leaving the cab dangling over the tracks for 20 minutes.
The driver, Akihiro Hanasaki of Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, was rescued without incident.
The accident occurred at around 6:25 a.m. on National Road No. 9. when the truck swerved into the guardrail, suspending the rig above the tracks but leaving its trailer blocking the road.
West Japan Railway Co. suspended runs on the line until the dangling rig could be removed.
Police said the road was slick with rain at the time of the accident but suspect Hanasaki lost control.