Deputy Mayor Dies After Being Crushed by Float at Japanese Festival

A deputy mayor in western Japan tragically died after being crushed under a giant float during a local parade. This incident occurred on Saturday at the Saijo festival, just a week after two other people were reported dead at separate traditional festivals.

Akihiro Nabae, the deputy mayor of Saijo in the Ehime region, was participating in the festival when he became trapped beneath the float. He was quickly taken to a hospital but was later pronounced dead, according to local media.

The local police are investigating the exact cause of the accident. They are looking into whether the float fell over or if Nabae lost his balance while carrying it. Reports suggest that there were 11 floats lined up, and as much as three tonnes may have fallen on him.

The Saijo festival is known for its elaborate floats that represent flowers, birds, and warriors. This annual event is organized by local shrines and dates back to Japan’s Edo period, celebrating gratitude for a good harvest.

Just a week before this incident, two people died during separate festivals in western Osaka when floats toppled over while participants were making sharp turns. Earlier this year, two others also died during the ‘Naked Man Festival’ in Japan due to a similar crush.