Thousands of visitors to the Osaka World Expo were stranded after the Osaka Metro Chuo Line got disrupted on August 13.

The Osaka Metro Chuo Line is the only train line connected to Yumeshima Station, which is in front of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai site.

Osaka Metro said that a power outage was caused by iron powder sticking to a fire prevention sheet wrapped around a wire connected to the third rail on the train tracks.

At least 36 people were taken to the hospital due to suspected heat stroke, including preschoolers and those in their 80s.

Visitor / We camped out in front of the pavilion on the soft-looking grass. It didn’t rain and it was moderately cool, so it was endurable.

Visitor / It was nice that we got inside the pavilion, but I was exhausted at the end. I want to go home and shower.

Expo organizers temporarily opened the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, other pavilions and group rest areas for visitors who were unable to return home.

They also distributed water and other supplies.  

According to organizers, there were 168,000 general visitors to the Expo on August 13, the highest number in August.

Organizers opened the door at 9:30AM on August 14, 30 minutes later than usual.