A woman near Tokyo fell into the gap between the platform and a 32-ton train. 40 commuters stepped off, lined up along the carriage, and pushed it sideways. She was pulled free. Completely uninjured. 8 minutes later, the train was back on schedule. Because of course it was.
40 Commuters Pushed a 32-Ton Train to Free a Trapped Woman
On July 22, 2013, during Monday morning rush hour at Minami-Urawa Station near Tokyo, a woman in her thirties slipped while boarding a train. She fell into the eight-inch gap between the train car and the platform, wedged up to her waist.
Station staff tried to pull her free but couldn't. A public announcement asked for help.
40 Strangers
Forty commuters stepped off the train. Without discussion or coordination, they lined up along the platform edge and placed their hands against the carriage. Together, they pushed.
A 32-ton train car tilted just enough for station staff to pull the woman free. She was completely uninjured.
The entire station erupted in applause. Eight minutes later, the train was running on schedule. Because of course it was.
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Verified Fact
Verified Apr 29, 2026 · 5 sources checked
Source: NPRShow verification details
Claims checked
- Incident occurred at Minami-Urawa Station, near Tokyo
- 40 commuters and staff pushed a 32-ton train carriage
- Woman was pulled free and uninjured
- Train resumed schedule after an 8-minute delay
Sources: NPR, CBS News, CBC, Soranews24, The Diplomat
