OSAKA (TR) – Two men were crushed to death and 16 others injured after massive floats overturned in two separate accidents in Izumisano and Izumiotsu cities on Saturday, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Oct. 10).
The first fatal incident occurred in Izumisano at approximately 11:00 a.m. Emergency services were called to the Nagataki intersection by festival organizers reporting that a wooden danjiri (float) had toppled over, leaving multiple people pinned underneath.
A 51-year-old company executive was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Seven other males, ranging in age from their teens to their 50s, were also hospitalized. Two are believed to have suffered serious injuries.
According to the Izumisano Police Station, the deceased man was serving as a takari — a participant tasked with balancing the heavy float from the outside. The tragedy unfolded during a yarimawashi, a highly anticipated and dangerous festival maneuver where teams forcefully swing the multi-ton float around a 90-degree corner at high speed. Investigators believe the float lost its balance and flipped while attempting a sharp right turn.
Second accident
Just hours later, a mirror-image tragedy struck Izumiotsu. At around 1:20 p.m., the Izumiotsu Fire Department received a 119 call reporting another overturned float at the Miyamachi intersection.
A 48-year-old company employee from Izumi City, who was also acting as a takari balancer, was crushed beneath the structure and killed. Nine other males, aged from their teens to their 60s, were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Local police are investigating the exact circumstances, noting that this float also rolled over while attempting a high-speed right-hand yarimawashi turn.
Traditional danjiri festivals, famous for their rowdy atmosphere and aggressive street maneuvers, were being held in various municipalities across Osaka Prefecture that day.
Authorities confirmed that no general spectators were caught up in either accident.
