JR West has decided to cancel the memorial service scheduled for 25th of this month, 16 years after the derailment of the JR Fukuchiyama Line, which killed 107 people.

The memorial service has been canceled for the second consecutive year, following last year, because the spread of the new corona infection cannot be stopped.

To commemorate the victims of the derailment accident on the JR Fukuchiyama Line, commonly known as the Takarazuka Line, which killed 107 people and injured 562 people, and pledged safety, JR West held a memorial service every year on April 25, when the accident occurred. I have opened the ceremony.



Last year it was canceled due to the influence of the new Corona, but this time the number of attendees at the memorial facility set up at the site was significantly reduced, and bereaved families and injured people are online at other venues and at home. The policy was to implement thorough infection prevention measures, such as creating an environment where people can watch the broadcast.



However, the spread of the new corona in Hyogo and Osaka prefectures has not stopped, and it is necessary to avoid places where many people gather, so we decided to cancel the memorial service.



However, on the 25th, bereaved families and injured people will be able to visit the memorial facility at the site and offer flowers.



In addition, President Kazuaki Hasegawa will visit the site and read out "Apologies and memorial words."

Victim's bereaved family "Unfortunately, I want to mourn with my family alone"

Mitsuko Fujisaki (81), who lost her eldest daughter in an accident, said that the memorial service was canceled for the second consecutive year. While requesting the government to declare the situation, the bereaved families are aging, and it is natural to cancel considering the use of transportation where many people ride. I want to mourn. "