The train left from Takarazuka Station in Hyogo for Doshisha-mae Station in Kyoto. There were about 580 passengers on the train. The derailment occurred on a curve with a speed limit of 70 km. Many passengers mention that the train seemed to be traveling faster than usual. The driver had overshot the Itami Station which was the last stop before the accident, and the train was one and half minute behind the schedule. It's suspected that the driver might be trying to catch up on the schedule and was driving too fast. He was found dead inside the train on April 28. This is the Japan's worst rail accident in four decades.
Aircraft and Railway Accident Investigation Commission of Japan's Construction and Transport Ministry has been investigating the cause of the train wreck.
JR Fukuchiyama Line has been closed between Takarazuka and Amagasaki stations since the train crash and is planned to begin operations in June 19, 2005.
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