An out-of-service train derailed early Sunday on the Keihin Tohoku Line near JR Kawasaki Station after hitting a maintenance car, slightly injuring the motorman and conductor.
East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) said the 43-year-old driver of the maintenance car evaded injury by jumping out just before the accident, which occurred at around 1:10 a.m. The car entered the track without confirming it was safe, JR East said.
The motorman on the train, which was going about 60 kph at the time, hit the brakes after noticing the maintenance car about 100 to 200 meters ahead but couldn't stop in time. The first two cars derailed and overturned upon impact.
Train runs on the Keihin Tohoku Line, which parallels the Tokaido and Yamanote lines in some sections, were suspended between Kamata and Tsurumi stations as JR East probed the accident.