Snake Causes Power Outage, Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen Service Had Disruption

Tokaido Shinkansen. (Wikimedia Commons/MaedaAkihiko)

JAKARTA - Tokaido Shinkansen's fast train service connecting Tokyo and Osaka was disrupted on Wednesday after a snake wrapped in an electric cable caused a blackout, the operator said.

The incident occurred between Gifu-Hashima and Maibara stations at around 17.25 local time, causing a temporary suspension of the train to Tokyo between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya and the train to Osaka between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo.

The train service returned to normal around 19.00 local time, after safety conditions were confirmed, said JR Central, according to Kyodo News April 30.

Passengers gathered around staff at Nagoya Station to seek an explanation for the delay, while large crowds were also queuing up at the ticketing machine.

"I used the shinkansen several times a month, but this is my first time experiencing a temporary suspension due to a power outage," said Satoshi Tagawa, 46, who is returning to Tokyo.

"I am relieved," said Kazutoshi Tachi (26) after learning that the service had returned to operation.

"However, I am fed up with the problems (with the shinkansen service). I want the service to run on time," he added.