Japanese press calls for answers

The crash was Japan's worst in more than 40 years

The high death toll in Monday's train crash near Osaka has provoked shock and consternation in the Japanese press.

Editorials demand a thorough investigation into the possible causes of the accident and immediate steps to remedy any shortcomings.

"Why did the terrible disaster happen?" asks Japan's largest daily, Yomiuri Shimbun, in its editorial.

It points out that the train operator, West Japan Railway Co., has been facing harsh competition and sluggish revenues. As a result the company has been trying to increase profits by taking measures to rationalise its operations, including cutting labour costs.

"It would be problematical if that made the company neglect its safety responsibilities," the paper says.

In view of eyewitness reports that the train had been speeding to make up lost time, the paper also urges the crash investigation team to investigate the effectiveness of the training programme for drivers and their instructions on how to make up delays.

"Safety first"

Japan's second-largest daily, Asahi Shimbun, cites three possible causes for the derailment: excessive speed, problems with the track and problems with the train itself. It points out that track was not equipped with an automatic system that automatically applies the brakes when the speed limit is exceeded.

"Japan's railway system is famous for its punctuality and high degree of safety. The world is paying attention to the accident," the paper says. "For now, what is required is to make all-out efforts to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident from various angles."

Mainichi Shimbun agrees. It believes the crash "shakes the very foundation of the safety of the transportation system". The paper notes that the Fukuchiyama Line, like others elsewhere, employs an old system for halting the train. "It is an urgent task to promote the modernisation of the system," it says.

Japan's leading business daily, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, describes the accident as "unbelievable". It urges all transport companies to carry out urgent safety checks and review working systems.

The Tokyo metropolitan daily, Tokyo Shimbun, poses a number of questions: Why did the new train derail? How fast was it running? Why didn't the automatic braking system work? Was the train driver fully trained?

Its editorial also notes that the accident occurred at a time when the transportation ministry is trying to get transport companies to overhaul their entire safety systems.

The company "must find the cause of the accident while doing its best to extend relief to all people involved in the tragedy", the paper says.

"Safety always comes first," states Sankei Shimbun.

"What the train companies are required to do first is to ensure safe transportation. We urge the train companies never to forget it."

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