Arthur Greene
For three minutes, a Japanese high speed bullet train carrying 160 passengers was left without a driver after he made an emergency dash for a toilet break.
The unnamed driver’s career may have reached the end of the line, as he now faces disciplinary action for the risky move.
The 36-year-old reported feeling stomach pains as the train sped between Atami and Mishima in Southeastern Japan, and asked his conductor – who was not qualified to drive the train – to take his seat while he left his post.
The conductor, who is also facing disciplinary action, sat on a jump seat in the cockpit, but did not touch any controls during the incident, the Central Japan Railway Company said.
The driver might have got away with his toilet break.
But the train arrived at its station in Mishima one minute late, which triggered an investigation! (Japan prides itself on punctuality.)
At the driver’s hearing, he told the operator, JR Central, that he couldn’t recall what had happened, but said that he had an upset stomach.
He added that he did not want to lose time by bringing the train to a halt at the journey’s next stop.
“I didn’t report it because it was embarrassing,” he said.
Shinkansen drivers are told that if they feel ill, or find themselves unable to drive the train, they must stop the train at the nearest available station.
This incident marks the first time in Shinkansen history, which dates back to 1964, that a driver has left the cab while the passenger train was moving.
Picture source: @fmtoday
