Culture & Entertainment · Singapore Bureau
Two killed, 16 hurt in float festival accidents in Osaka
Two men died and 16 others were injured when ceremonial floats overturned during turns at a festival in Japan's Osaka prefecture. Both fatalities occurred when victims became trapped beneath the heavy structures as they tipped over.
LSN Singapore ·
A pair of tragic accidents marred festivities in Osaka prefecture when large ceremonial floats capsized while navigating corners during a traditional festival event. The two deceased men were pinned underneath the floats as they overturned, according to emergency responders who attended the scene.
The exact circumstances leading to both incidents remained under investigation. Festival organisers and local authorities have not yet provided detailed accounts of what caused the floats to tip during the turns, nor have they disclosed the specific locations within Osaka where the accidents occurred.
Emergency services transported 16 additional injured persons to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed. Such festivals, featuring large decorative floats that are wheeled through streets by participants, remain popular cultural events across Japan, though accidents involving the structures, while uncommon, pose significant safety risks given their considerable weight and size.
Local officials said they would review safety protocols and procedures for future festival events to prevent similar tragedies.