Tokyo Metro resumed full service on the Hanzomon Line Tuesday after asbestos-containing material fell onto a platform at Hanzomon Station [3].
The incident disrupted one of Tokyo's major transit arteries, forcing the operator to halt trains between Shibuya and Kudanshita stations to ensure passenger safety.
The issue began when fabric at a ventilation equipment connection tore on Aug. 9, 2024 [1]. This fabric contained asbestos, which subsequently fell onto the station platform [2]. Tokyo Metro suspended operations from the first train on Aug. 11, 2024, to address the hazard [2].
A Tokyo Metro spokesperson said the presence of asbestos was first identified during a periodic inspection conducted by a maintenance company in June 2024 [1]. The inspection company reported the findings to Tokyo Metro on Aug. 9, 2024 [2].
Work crews spent the day conducting repairs and cleaning the affected area. A Tokyo Metro spokesperson said, "We have completed the repairs and cleaning, and a specialized contractor has confirmed through environmental measurements that there are no problems."
Full service across the line resumed at 7:20 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2024 [3].
The operator took the suspension as a precautionary measure following the report from the inspection firm. The closure allowed crews to remove the hazardous material, and verify that no airborne fibers remained in the passenger areas before reopening the station to the public.
“asbestos-containing material fell onto a station platform”
The discovery of asbestos in ventilation components highlights the ongoing challenge of managing legacy hazardous materials in aging urban infrastructure. By suspending service immediately upon receiving the inspection report, Tokyo Metro prioritized public health over transit continuity, a move that reflects strict Japanese safety protocols regarding carcinogenic materials.
