JR Yamanote Line services were suspended after a mobile phone battery caught fire on a train, forcing passengers to disembark and causing major delays on Sunday.
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| A mobile phone battery ignited inside a JR Yamanote Line train, leading to a suspension of services between Shin-Okubo and Shinjuku. The fire was quickly extinguished. Image: JN |
TOKYO, JAPAN — July 20, 2025:
Services on Tokyo’s JR Yamanote Line in Japan were temporarily suspended on Sunday afternoon following a fire inside one of the trains caused by a passenger’s mobile phone or mobile battery. The incident occurred between Shin-Okubo and Shinjuku stations, disrupting train operations in the affected area.
According to JR East, the fire was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported. However, some passengers were forced to disembark onto the tracks as emergency measures were implemented. The affected train halted while safety protocols were followed, and the object responsible for the fire was secured.
The incident caused significant delays as trains in the area were stopped for safety checks. JR East assured that normal operations would resume once the situation was fully assessed. The railway operator has reminded passengers to exercise caution with electronic devices to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The fire highlights ongoing safety concerns related to the use of mobile devices and their batteries on public transportation, prompting calls for increased vigilance from commuters and transit authorities alike.