Two Killed, Eight Injured in Osaka Danjiri Festival Accidents
OSAKA –
Two men were killed and eight others injured in separate accidents involving traditional danjiri festival floats in Osaka Prefecture on October 10, including one incident in which a float overturned while making a sharp turn, crushing a participant beneath it.
The first accident occurred at around 10:57 a.m. at an intersection in Nagataki, Izumisano City, where a danjiri taking part in an autumn festival overturned.
According to police, the float tipped onto its right side while attempting a right turn using a maneuver known as “yarimawashi,” in which participants pull the heavy wooden structure around a corner at speed.
A 51-year-old man from Izumisano City, who was serving in a position known as “takari,” was trapped between the overturned float and the road. The role involves riding on the side of the danjiri to help maintain its balance during movement and sharp turns.
The man was transported to a hospital in cardiopulmonary arrest and was later pronounced dead.
Eight other men were injured in the accident, including two who suffered serious injuries such as broken bones. The remaining six are believed to have sustained minor injuries.
In a separate incident on a road in Miyacho, Izumiotsu City, a 48-year-old man from neighboring Izumi City was struck by a danjiri being pulled through the area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Danjiri festivals are traditional events in which large, elaborately carved wooden floats are pulled through streets by teams of participants. The high-speed turns performed during these festivals are among their most distinctive features, requiring coordinated movements by those pulling, steering and balancing the heavy structures.
Police are investigating the circumstances of both accidents, including how the float overturned in Izumisano and how the second man came into contact with the danjiri in Izumiotsu.
Source: FNN
