A Japanese train driver faces possible punishment after he left the cockpit of a speeding bullet train for several minutes to go to the toilet.
He had asked a conductor, who did not have a driver's licence, to man the train which was travelling at 150km/h (93mph), according to local media.
The Hikari 633 was carrying 160 passengers at the time. The incident reportedly did not affect the journey.
But the railway company has reported it to authorities and apologised.
The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) said the incident took place on Sunday morning while the train was travelling in the central Shizuoka prefecture.
The 36-year-old driver, who has not been named, had suffered a stomach ache and needed to use the toilet urgently.
He called a conductor into the cockpit to man the controls, and then left for about three minutes to use the lavatory in a passenger cabin, JR Central said.
The company's rules state that if drivers feel unwell they must contact their transport command centre. They are also allowed to ask a conductor to take over the controls, but only if the conductor has a driver's licence.
The driver and the conductor now face possible disciplinary action, said JR Central.
Senior official Masahiro Hayatsu told reporters: "It was an extremely inappropriate act. We apologise."
Japan's famously efficient railways are strictly regulated with high safety standards, and rail accidents are rare.
The last major incident happened in 2005 when a train derailed in the western city of Amagasaki, killing 107 people.
The Shinkansen, which is Japan's bullet train rail network, has never had an accident in its 57-year history.
Latest Stories
-
Electricity tariffs up by 14.75%, water by 4.02% in latest review
1 hour -
Francophonie Festival 2025: A celebration of education and culture
1 hour -
Most Ghanaians are like single-phased wires -Prof. Akosa
2 hours -
GUBA leads historic Memphis-Ghana Trade Mission, paving the way for diaspora investment
2 hours -
KNUST declares 2 former students persona non grata over indiscipline, campus disturbances
2 hours -
IGP clarifies comments on recruitment of Bawku youth into the police service
2 hours -
GOIL CEO tours Tema Lubes Oil Company
4 hours -
Communication Minister meets Afriwave Telecom management
4 hours -
We cannot remain imprisoned in history and lamentation – Prof. Lumumba urges
4 hours -
Ukraine allies pledge €21bn in fresh military aid
4 hours -
Bawku: IGP’s recruitment comment may be well-intended but timing is bad – Security analyst
4 hours -
We must re-enter 21st century with laws known to Ghana – Prof Lumumba
4 hours -
Minority urges gov’t to take drastic action amid fresh clashes in Bawku
4 hours -
Bosompem Richmond writes: IGP Yohunu’s approach to Bawku conflict dangerous
4 hours -
Bawku crisis: IGP’s recruitment comment out of place – Minority
5 hours