A commuter train in Japan was thrown into chaos after an unidentified spray was reportedly released inside a carriage, leaving at least 10 passengers feeling unwell and triggering an emergency response at a busy railway station.
The incident occurred on a JR Tokaido Line train travelling from Kanagawa to Gunma on Sunday afternoon. The train was forced to make an emergency stop at Kawasaki Station after passengers complained of a strong irritating smell inside the carriage.
According to local authorities, several passengers experienced symptoms including headaches, throat irritation and breathing discomfort.
A man and woman in their 30s, along with a one-year-old baby girl, were among those taken to hospital for treatment. Officials said their conditions were mild.
Emergency services deployed 24 fire engines and multiple rescue personnel to the scene as a precaution. Video footage shared on social media platform X showed large numbers of emergency workers moving across the station platform, while firefighters dressed in full protective gear entered the train to inspect the affected carriage.
Authorities later said no toxic substances had been detected during initial checks.
Police said no witnesses had come forward claiming to have seen anyone spraying the substance. Investigators also inspected fire extinguishers onboard but found no abnormalities.
Several passengers reportedly described the smell as being similar to pepper spray, and police are continuing investigations to determine the source of the incident.
The situation caused major disruption at the station, with parts of the JR Tokaido Line temporarily suspended as emergency operations were carried out.
A man in his 60s who had arrived at the station to pick up family members told local media the incident was frightening, adding that he frequently used the station and was shocked after seeing news reports about the situation.
