Accident at Japan's Osaka festival, roller coaster overturns, 2 killed, 16 injured

Local float festivals were held across Osaka Prefecture in Japan today. However, floats overturned in Izumisano and Izumotsu cities. A total of 2 people were crushed to death by the floats, and 16 others were slightly or seriously injured.

Japan's MBS TV station reported that people related to the festival informed the firefighting unit at about 11 a.m. today that "a roller coaster overturned and many people were injured" at an intersection in the Nagataki area of ​​Izumisano.

The police and other units stated that the roller coaster overturned when it was about to turn right at the intersection. Eight men towing the roller coaster were sent to the hospital for treatment. One of them, a 51-year-old man, died of serious injuries. Two of the other seven injured had fractures and were seriously injured.

In addition, at an intersection in Miyamachi, Izumiotsu City, around 1:20 this afternoon, a roller coaster lost its balance and overturned while preparing to turn right. As a result, a 48-year-old man was pinned underneath and later died of his injuries. The accident also caused 9 other men to suffer minor or serious injuries and were sent to hospital for treatment.

The police are clarifying the details.

The Asahi Shimbun reported that both the Izumisano Police Station and the Izumiotsu Police Station pointed out that the two deceased were responsible for maintaining the balance of the float at the time. The police also pointed out that no ordinary members of the public were involved in the two accidents.