Freight train derails in north Japan, prolonged disruption expected

A freight train derailed in Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido early Saturday, with a disruption of passenger and commercial railway services likely to continue through Monday, its operator, JR Freight, said.The accident and subsequent suspension of some sections forced JR Hokkaido to cancel 35 express trains per day, affecting an estimated 7,000 passengers.JR Hokkaido plans to operate shuttle bus services on the affected section through Monday to accommodate travelers.Five of the train's 20 freight cars came off the tracks while traveling between stations in a town near Hakodate, …READ FULL ARTICLE