A Danjiri float overturned during a traditional festival in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, killing 2 people and injuring 16 as participants were turning the float at high speed, a highlight of the event.
Two men died and 16 others were injured in a Danjiri float accident during a local festival in two cities of Osaka Prefecture, Japan, last Saturday (10 Oct), according to Osaka Prefectural Police.
The two deceased were crushed under the overturned float while moving in procession. It is initially believed they lost control during the "Yarimawashi" phase, a critical festival moment when participants pull the float to rapidly turn corners while the two stood beside the float to help prevent it from tipping.
The Danjiri float is about 4 meters tall and weighs around 4 tons. The first accident occurred around 10:55 a.m. in Izumisano City when the float overturned turning right at an intersection, causing a 51-year-old company executive and local resident to die at the hospital, while seven other male participants aged 10–59 were injured, some seriously.
Later, at about 1:20 p.m., a second float overturned in Izumiotsu City while making a right turn at an intersection, killing a 48-year-old company employee living in nearby Izumi City. Nine other male participants were injured, but none critically.
Police stated no festival spectators were injured in either accident and are conducting a thorough investigation into the causes.
The Danjiri festival is a tradition involving people pulling floats through city streets, originating as a prayer ritual for abundant agricultural harvests in southwestern Osaka Prefecture. However, accidents often happen during the Yarimawashi performance, where participants must turn the float without stopping.
Previously, on 3 October, 11 people were injured when a float overturned during a festival in Sakai City, also in southwestern Osaka Prefecture.