Super Ōzora

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Super Ōzora
JR Hokkaido Kiha 283 series 002.JPG
KiHa 283 series DMU on a Super Ōzora service, January 2007
Overview
Service type Limited express
Locale Sekishō Line
First service 1961 (Ōzora)
1997 (Super Ōzora)
Current operator(s) JR Hokkaido
Former operator(s) JNR
Route
Start Sapporo
End Kushiro
Average journey time 3 hours 35 minutes
Service frequency 7 return services daily
Technical
Rolling stock KiHa 283 series DMU
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification Diesel
Operating speed 130 km/h (81 mph)

The Super Ōzora (スーパーおおぞら?) is a limited express train service between Sapporo and Kushiro in Hokkaido, Japan, operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). There are seven trains per day running in both directions, with the fastest journeys taking 3 hours 35 minutes.[1]

History

The service commenced as the limited express Ōzora (おおぞら?) on 1 October 1961, operating between Hakodate and Asahikawa using KiHa 80 series DMUs with one return working daily. The service was extended to run between Hakodate and Kushiro from 1967. By 1973, there were three return workings daily. In October 1980, following the opening of New Chitose Airport, services were reorganized, with just one return working daily between Sapporo and Kushiro. From October 1981, the train was rerouted via the Sekishō Line, reducing journey times by approximately one hour.[2] From 22 March 1997, four Ōzora services were upgraded to become Super Ōzora following the introduction of new KiHa 283 series tilting DMUs.[1] The remaining Ōzora services using KiHa 183 series DMUs were phased out by 2001.

Rolling stock

  • JNR Hokkaido kiha80 ozora.jpg

    KiHa 80 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1986

  • Kiha183 oozora sapporo.jpg

    KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service at Sapporo Station in 1986

  • JNR-Kiha183-104.jpg

    KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1984

  • JR Hokkaido kiha183series N Ozora.jpg

    KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1992

2011 derailment and fire

On 27 May 2011, the Super Ōzora 14 service from Kushiro to Sapporo was brought to an emergency stop inside the 685 metre-long No. 1 Niniu Tunnel in Shimukappu, Hokkaidō, at around 21:55 after car number 2 of the 6-car formation became derailed. The train caught fire, and all of the 245 people on board, including train staff eventually evacuated the train. 39 were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burn injuries.[3] The burnt-out train was removed from the tunnel on 29 May 2011.[4]

References

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External links

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