News
Japanese Deputy Mayor Crushed To Death By Festival Float During Saijo Festival
A deputy mayor in Japan has died after being crushed by a festival float during a traditional celebration in Ehime Prefecture.
Akihiro Nabae, 62, Deputy Mayor of Saijo, died on Saturday during the Saijo Festival.
NEWSNGR understands that Nabae was among those carrying the float when the accident happened on a riverbed in the city at about 5:45 p.m. He was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead about an hour later.
Police and municipal officials said the float, known as a taikodai, stood about 5.3 metres tall and weighed between two and three tonnes. At the time, 11 floats had been lined up side by side for kakikurabe, a traditional contest in which teams carrying the floats show off their strength and skill. Police said no one else was injured.
The Saijo Police Station has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
Nabae’s death comes a week after two people died in separate incidents at danjiri festivals in Osaka Prefecture.
The Saijo Festival is the collective name for annual celebrations held at four shrines in the city. Dating back to Japan’s Edo Period (1603–1867), it features more than 100 floats and other portable structures, including mikoshi (portable shrines) and danjiri floats.
Nabae previously served as director of Saijo’s environmental department before becoming deputy mayor in July.
Saijo Mayor Mitsuyoshi Ochi, as quoted by Japan Times, expressed shock and sadness over the death. “Just when we were about to work together to build a new administration for Saijo, this tragedy occurred. I still cannot believe it. I offer my heartfelt condolences,” Ochi said.
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