Akihiro Nabae, the deputy mayor of Saijo in Japan’s Ehime region, died on Saturday following a fatal accident during a local festival. According to city and police officials, Nabae was participating in a parade alongside other residents, helping to maneuver a large, traditional float. During the event, he became trapped beneath the structure and sustained critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

This incident marks a concerning trend in Japanese festival safety, as it follows reports of two other individuals who were killed in separate accidents at traditional festivals within the last week. While the specific details regarding the cause of the collapse or the mechanical failure of the float in Saijo remain under investigation, the event has drawn attention to the inherent risks associated with the heavy, ornate floats used in these cultural celebrations. Local authorities are currently reviewing safety protocols for such parades to prevent further tragedies. The SCMP report notes that while the immediate facts of the accident are clear, the precise circumstances leading to Nabae becoming trapped are still being determined by local investigators.