Overview

• Osaka Metro fully restored Chuo Line service at 5:25 a.m. on August 14 after crews removed a rail-joint sheet that had caused a third-rail short.
• Metro officials say iron powder and moisture on the sheet likely triggered the power interruption and have launched a technical investigation.
• Expo Association opened pavilions and rest areas as temporary shelters and distributed drinking water after about 30,000 visitors were stranded overnight.
• Osaka City Fire Department received roughly 40 emergency calls and transported 36 people with light injuries or heat-related illness.
• Both Osaka Metro and the Expo Association have apologized for the disruption and pledged to improve emergency communications, crowd control and alternative transport options.