Key Facts
• August 13, 2025: JR Central reports aluminum alloy cover fell from N700S Shinkansen.
• Cover dimensions: 80 cm x 60 cm x 7 cm, weight: 8.5 kg.
• Incident occurred between Kakegawa and Shizuoka stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
• Cover discovered by staff during nighttime maintenance near the tracks.
• Missing cover noticed at 12:05 AM during inspection at Shinagawa vehicle base.
• Train departed Kakegawa Station at 10:10 AM on August 12, likely dislodged during low-speed travel.
• No injuries reported; JR Central investigating the cause.
• Cover, called a “side cowl,” protects undercarriage equipment.
• Last inspection on August 10 confirmed the cover was securely installed.
Summary
An aluminum alloy cover, known as a “side cowl,” fell from the undercarriage of an N700S Shinkansen train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. The incident occurred between Kakegawa and Shizuoka stations and was discovered during nighttime maintenance on August 13, 2025. The cover, measuring 80 cm by 60 cm and weighing 8.5 kg, was found near the tracks. JR Central staff noticed the cover was missing during an inspection at the Shinagawa vehicle base earlier that day. The train had departed Kakegawa Station on August 12 and likely lost the cover during low-speed travel shortly after departure. No injuries were reported, and JR Central is investigating the cause. The cover had been confirmed secure during a prior inspection on August 10.
