24th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) A 61-year-old female tourist from Hong Kong tragically lost her life on Thursday, 23rd January, after being struck by a train while taking photos on the tracks at Asari Station, located on the JR Hakodate Line in Otaru, Hokkaido. Following the incident, she was rushed to a hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
This fatal event highlights a growing trend among tourists, particularly from Hong Kong, who often seek picturesque spots for social media posts. Popular platforms like Xiaohongshu (Rednote) feature numerous posts advising users on how to capture the perfect shot on railway tracks, with some suggesting that the light rail trains operate slowly, thus providing ample time for photography.
The light rail system in Hong Kong, particularly the routes in Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, and Tin Shui Wai, has become a trendy backdrop for such photos, especially after the release of the film “Beyond the Dream.” However, this has raised major safety concerns, as social media users frequently post about standing on tracks while trains approach.
In a similar vein, the coastal areas of Kennedy Town have become congested with pedestrians and vehicles competing for space, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Tourists often disregard safety warnings, leading to dangerous situations where vehicles must navigate around groups of people taking photos.
The phenomenon is not limited to light rail and coastal areas. Popular hiking spots such as Lion Rock and High Island Reservoir have also seen accidents, with hikers ignoring warning signs and putting themselves at risk for the sake of social media recognition. Authorities have responded by emphasising the importance of safety and urging the public to consider the potential dangers of such locations.
