Two die and 16 hurt in Osaka danjiri float festival accidents

Osaka – Two people were killed while participating in traditional local festivals featuring danjiri floats in two cities in Osaka Prefecture on Saturday.

The victims, both men, were crushed under floats that overturned when traveling on the road, according to the Osaka Prefectural Police department.

Both are believed to have lost their balance during a yarimawashi performance — a highlight of the festival in which a float pulled by a team of participants turns a corner at a high speed. The two men were standing on the side of the floats to prevent them from overturning.

The danjiri is about 4 meters tall and weighs roughly 4 tons. The police department is investigating the accidents.

In the city of Izumisano, a danjiri toppled over when it was turning right at an intersection around 10:55 a.m., leading to the death of a 51-year-old company executive from the city. Seven other male participants were injured, some seriously.

In Izumiotsu, a danjiri overturned after turning right at an intersection around 1:20 p.m., killing a 48-year-old corporate worker from the neighboring city of Izumi. Nine male participants suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.