A tragic accident occurred in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, Japan, when a Taiwanese woman in her 50s was fatally struck by a train while reportedly trying to take photos at a level crossing located inside Tōzan Shrine.
According to NHK, the incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday (13th). Emergency services received a call from a man reporting that “a train hit a pedestrian at the level crossing inside Tōzan Shrine.”
Police said the 55-year-old tourist from Taiwan was hit by a train bound for Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture. She was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead about an hour and a half later.
Tōzan Shrine is famous for its unique porcelain torii gate — the only one of its kind in Japan. The level crossing is unusually located within the shrine grounds, along the staircase leading to the shrine, making it a popular tourist photo spot.
Although there are no barriers at the crossing, warning signals are installed to alert visitors taking pictures in the area. Police believe the woman may have accidentally stepped onto the tracks while trying to take photos and was unable to avoid the oncoming train. Reports indicate the warning signal was active at the time.
Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances and determining responsibility.
JR Kyushu said the accident disrupted services between Takeo Onsen Station and Haiki Station on the Sasebo Line, halting 10 express trains and 4 local trains, affecting around 1,000 passengers. Services resumed at about 3 p.m. that afternoon.
