Passenger sets self on fire on bullet train in Japan

TOKYO — A passenger on one of Japan’s high-speed bullet trains tried to set himself or herself on fire Tuesday, causing smoke to fill the carriage and forcing the train to stop, Japan’s transport ministry said.

Two people were found unconscious, a ministry official said. Japanese media reported that at least one person had died, but that could not be immediately confirmed.

Passengers receive treatment in Odawara, west of Tokyo, after a passenger tried to set himself or herself on fire. | Kyodo News via AP

The train came to an emergency stop when a passenger pressed an emergency button after finding one of the two passengers collapsed on the floor on a front car deck near a restroom, according to the ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

The incident occurred as the train passed near Odawara city, west of Tokyo, on its way to Osaka.

The passenger apparently had poured oil over his or her head before setting themselves on fire, the official said.

He said the second person was found collapsed in an area between the first and second cars.

Public television NHK said dozens of passengers were injured after inhaling smoke.

The fire has been extinguished, and passengers were evacuated from the train, NHK said.