TOKYO, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- An express train derailed as it headed to Niigata, Japan, Sunday, killing at least three people and leaving 30 other people injured.
Police and officials of the East Japan Railway Co. said the front five cars of the six-car train jumped the tracks and toppled on their sides about 7:15 p.m. between Sagoshi and Kita-Amarume stations.
Strong winds were reported and a severe snow warning was in effect at the time the train was crossing a bridge over the Mogami River, the Kyodo news agency reported.
The agency said the death toll had risen to three -- and possibly four -- when rescue crews pulled two persons from the wreckage. One was pronounced dead at the scene and the other appeared not to be breathing.
A witness told Kyodo the train, which was an hour behind schedule, plowed into a hut.
