Japan: nationwide mystery of metal shards found in rails

Japan authorities probe nationwide mystery of metal shards found in rails
at 12:34 on June 4, 2005, EST.

TOKYO (AP) - Thousands of sharp-edged pieces of metal have been found protruding from roadside guardrails around Japan and authorities are investigating the bizarre phenomenon, officials and media said on Saturday.

About 24,000 knife-shaped pieces of metal have been found stuck in guardrails in all of Japan's 47 prefectures in the past week, Kyodo News agency and major newspapers reported, quoting police and local officials.

.....
Local officials are really puzzled by the strange phenomenon.

The ominous-looking metal fragments have been repeatedly shown on television and photographs of them have been published in newspapers, as the nation puzzles over the mystery.

"It's eerie," the Asahi newspaper said Saturday. "Why are such objects, so many of them, all over the country? If they had been intentionally installed, it's a serious crime."

The Land and Transport Ministry's Web site said it will launch a nationwide investigation. The ministry also asked witnesses for information.

Police are investigating the case on suspicion of assault and traffic law violations - while also suspecting vehicle collisions as a possible cause - the Mainichi newspaper said.