23,000 Sign Petition Demanding Safety Reforms After Death of Blind Woman at JR Tsukumi Station

From NHK

August 7 2025

Ōita City – In connection with the fatal accident three years ago in which a visually impaired woman was struck and killed by a train on the tracks inside JR Tsukumi Station, an organization made up of visually impaired persons and others has submitted to JR a petition with over 20,000 signatures, calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and the implementation of safety measures.

In December three years ago, a visually impaired woman was struck and killed by a limited express train on the tracks inside JR Tsukumi Station on the Nippō Main Line during hours when no station staff were present.

In response to the accident, a group made up of people with visual or physical disabilities gathered 23,016 signatures calling for clarification of the accident’s cause and the introduction of safety measures. They also compiled into a written statement voices and opinions submitted by visually impaired people.

On the 7th, ten members of the group visited the JR Kyushu Ōita Branch Office in Ōita City and handed the signatures and written statement to Deputy Branch Manager Masataka Kawasoko.

Afterwards, a closed-door exchange of opinions was held. Group member Yoshimi Kugimiya, a visually impaired resident of Ōita City, said, “I’m glad we were able to convey our specific requests. If JR can clearly indicate how a person will be rescued in the event of a fall from the platform, I believe even people with visual impairments will be able to use stations with peace of mind.”

The group’s co-representative, attorney Yasuyuki Tokuda, commented, “It was good that we were able to have a frank exchange of views. I hope JR Kyushu will listen carefully to the voices of visually impaired people.”