Train Fire in Hokkaido

A JR Hokkaido train partially derailed and caught fire on Friday:

As smoke and flames spread, the conductor, who could not see the fire, did not make an announcement telling passengers to evacuate.

It’s very disrespectful in Japan to disobey authority, so everybody just sat there in the train, right?

A JR employee who happened to be on the train contacted the company’s command center at about 10:30 p.m., saying, “Smoke’s filling up the train, but I can’t see a fire.”

About the same time, passengers began to evacuate the train on their own, while employees assisted some of them.

JR Hokkaido finally confirmed there was a fire at 12:02 a.m. Saturday after receiving a report from the Hokkaido prefectural police. Investigators believe the casualties may have been much worse if evacuation of the train had not started until then.

Oh, nevermind.

Hokkaido police are investigating to determine if JR Hokkaido is liable for the accident.

[hat tip to Steve]

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Hamachiman

It’s very disrespectful in Japan to disobey authority, so everybody just sat there in the train, right?
Oh, nevermind.

Ahhh ha ha ha ha, take THAT J-stereotypers!
Pikky

Seriously, who said it’s disrespectful to disobey authority when your life is in danger?
Japan wouldn’t have advanced as far as they have today with that kind of ridiculous mindset.
I Lol’d at that part too.
Shockemdropem

But doesn’t something become a stereo type because it is true?
Shockemdropem

But doesn’t something become a stereo type because it is true?

http://nihonburp.com Michael Warren

Yes all stereotypes are true, me and my British countrymen sit around saluting the queen whilst bathing in tea, whilst Americans eat another hamburger and watch TV which is controlled by the Jews.

Anonymous

I think it’s fair to say, that the passengers actions can be attributed to Obama’s campaign message, “yes we can” being fully absorbed into the psyche of the 21st century Japanese populace at large.

PT

I’d like to they decided some fresh air while they wait for the train to get underway is a better idea then sitting in a smoke filled car with watery eyes, runny noses, and constantly coughing.

Kageclinic

Is that Super Hakucho?
Anonymous

Bit scary to just learn that JR hokkaido’s manual instructs staff to only evacuate if fire is SEEN.

The staff have said they couldn’t see the fire because there was TOO MUCH SMOKE, so couldn’t order the evacuation.

Be afraid, be very afraid.
a*

It’s very disrespectful in Japan to disobey authority, so everybody just sat there in the train, right?
Hahahahahahha.
Too bad people seem to be missing the reference to my fellow Australian =/
Jayeye1

Japanese people need to stop their government and fishing industry from raping the oceans. Those slant eyes are in the antartic using long lines which kill everything and they are whaling in a whale sanctuary. They rammed a boat and nearly killed six people that were trying to hinder their whaling efforts. They deserve to have these natural disasters occuring so maybe they will reflect on how screwed up their whole society is and changel. In the meantime, let them suffer

Train Fire in Hokkaido

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