Osaka festival floats overturn, killing two

Two men have died and numerous others were injured following separate accidents involving traditional Danjiri festival floats in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

The incidents occurred during the “yarimawashi” maneuver, a high-speed turn where participants attempt to navigate tight corners without stopping. In Izumisano, a 51-year-old man died after being pinned beneath a float that overturned while attempting a right turn. At least seven others were injured in this incident, including two with fractures.

In a second incident in Izumiotsu, a 48-year-old man was killed when a float lost balance and overturned during a turn. This accident resulted in nine additional injuries.

Police reported that the deceased individuals were among those riding the floats to help maintain balance during the maneuvers. No bystanders were reported injured in the two accidents. Similar accidents have occurred in the region previously, including an incident in Sakai on October 3 that injured 11 people.