Fukushima Expressway Accident: Bus Operator Raided After 21 Casualties

Fukushima Prefectural Police raided bus operator Kamihara Railway on suspicion of negligent driving causing death or injury, following a microbus accident on the Ban-etsu Expressway that left 21 high school students dead or injured.

Fri May 08 2026

Police Investigation into Fukushima Expressway Accident

On May 6th, a microbus carrying high school students from Niigata Prefecture, who were on an away trip for club activities, crashed into a guardrail on the Ban-etsu Expressway in Fukushima Prefecture. The accident resulted in 21 casualties, causing significant concern. The Fukushima Prefectural Police has launched an investigation into the incident, searching the bus operating company, Kamihara Railway, on suspicion of negligent driving causing death or injury.

Raid on Bus Operator 'Kamihara Railway'

The police initiated a forced search of Kamihara Railway, located in Gosen City, Niigata Prefecture, to determine the cause of the accident. It is expected that this raid will involve examining the bus's operational records at the time of the accident and the company's overall safety management system. The police plan to analyze the seized materials to clarify the circumstances of the accident and ascertain any negligence.

*Source: NHK World-Japan (2026-05-08)*

Tags: #Fukushima #Ban-etsu Expressway #Bus Accident #Kamihara Railway #Police Raid