Chain removal oversight prevents passengers from boarding Norokko train at Lavender Field Station on JR Furano Line

A chain blocking access to a platform prevented passengers from boarding the Norokko tourist train at Lavender Field Station on JR Furano Line. JR Hokkaido announced that approximately 12 passengers could not board the "Furano Biei Norokko No. 1" train on July 7th due to the oversight. A contracted security guard forgot to remove the chain, which is used to block access when no trains are scheduled. JR Hokkaido will offer refunds and is working with the security company to prevent recurrence. Passengers were accommodated with taxis or later trains.