Tokyo - A Japanese Shinkansen bullet train made an emergency stop on Tuesday and a passenger was found at the entrance of a carriage covered in flammable liquid, officials said.
Media reports said a man in his 30s had set himself on fire.
Two people were reported to be in cardiac arrest after smoke was detected on the train, which was bound for the western city of Osaka from Tokyo.
Footage on TBS television showed a train carriage filled with smoke and passengers evacuating with handkerchiefs pressed to their faces. One clutched a baby to their chest.
An official at JR Tokai said the train stopped after the emergency button was pushed and the passenger was then discovered.
No further details were immediately available.
Japan's superfast Shinkansen trains have until now been known for their speed and their safety.
Reuters