10 people fall ill after unknown substance sprayed inside moving Japan train

11 May 2026 • 9:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

10 people fall ill after unknown substance sprayed inside moving Japan train

  • Ten people were reportedly hospitalised after an unknown substance was reported to have been sprayed inside a moving train near Tokyo on Sunday.
  • The incident occurred on 10 May, around 4:30 PM, on an East Japan Railway Company (JR East) train travelling on the Tokaido Line.
  • Passengers complained of a strange, pepper-like smell, coughing, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties, leading the train to make an emergency stop at Kawasaki station.
  • Firefighters and emergency personnel inspected the carriage, but no harmful gas was detected, and authorities have not confirmed if any substance was actually sprayed.
  • JR East temporarily suspended inbound Tokaido Line services between Yokohama and Shinagawa following the incident.

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