Two men died, and at least 16 others were injured after traditional danjiri festival floats overturned in separate incidents in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, on Saturday (10 Oct).
Both accidents reportedly occurred while the large floats were being manoeuvred around corners.
The first accident occurred in Izumisano at around 11am, when a danjiri float overturned while making a right turn at an intersection.
Source: Asahi
Seven participants aged between 10 and 59 were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries.
A 51-year-old man became trapped beneath the float. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Roughly two hours later, another danjiri float overturned during a festival in nearby Izumiotsu.
A 48-year-old company worker was among those trapped underneath the float and was later confirmed dead.
Source: Asahi
Nine other people were injured in the incident, but their injuries were not life-threatening.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding both accidents.
Known for its high-energy procession, the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival sees teams of over 100 residents hauling four-ton wooden floats around tight street corners at full speed.
Each of the 34 floats — painstakingly built and carved with battle scenes and folklore — represents a local neighbourhood, whose residents spend all year preparing while a leader dances atop the moving structure.
However, accidents are common during “yarimawashi” as teams pull the heavy floats at speed without stopping.
Just a week earlier, on 3 Oct, 11 people were injured after another danjiri float overturned in Sakai, also in Osaka Prefecture.
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Featured image adapted from Japan Travel and Asahi.