Ehime, Japan reports fatal pedestrian crash and serious multi‑vehicle collision

On June 25, a 94‑year‑old woman, Ochi Tomiko, was crossing a marked crosswalk in Saijo City when a wagon driven by 43‑year‑old cleaning‑business employee Masatoku Takai struck her. She suffered severe head injuries and died at the hospital. Police arrested Takai at the scene on suspicion of careless driving causing death.

Later that morning on National Route 11 in Higashi‑on, three vehicles collided after a light wagon crossed the centre line. The wagon’s driver, 25‑year‑old Kaito Tsuzuki, was left unconscious and in critical condition. A 70‑year‑old truck driver sustained leg injuries, while a 64‑year‑old car driver was unharmed. Police are investigating why the wagon veered from its lane.