In a tragic incident in central Japan, a vehicle collided with four children riding bicycles on a street in Hamamatsu on Monday. The unfortunate event led to the death of one child and injured the remaining three, with one of them sustaining serious injuries. Authorities have taken the 78-year-old driver into custody.
The incident took place in Hamamatsu city, with officials confirming that the other two children who were involved do not have life-threatening injuries. According to the Hamamatsu fire department, the children are thought to be elementary schoolgirls, all under the age of 10.
The driver, who was operating a white mini truck and is identified as a farmer, has been arrested on suspicion of negligence. Television broadcasts depicted a scene showing the aftermath, with bicycles severely damaged, having been struck as the truck veered into pedestrian space on a narrow one-lane street, hitting the children from the rear.
During police questioning, the driver admitted to the collision and causing harm to the children but stated that he could not recall the specifics of how the incident happened.
Vehicle accidents involving elderly drivers have become a growing concern in Japan, prompting the government to intensify its efforts towards safety awareness in recent years. This incident highlights the urgent need for continued action to address the hazard posed by older motorists.