A tragic accident occurred during the “Tour of Hokkaido” bicycle road race in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, where a college student participating in the race collided with an oncoming car and died. The security company responsible for traffic regulations in the competition area claimed that it was impossible for the accident vehicle to enter the competition area during the regulated time. However, there are doubts about the basis and credibility of their statement. The security company acknowledged that the accident occurred during the regulated time, but they did not receive any reports of the vehicle passing through. The position and radio situation of the security guards may have led to it being overlooked. The security company also speculated that the accident vehicle may have entered from somewhere before the regulations were in place, as it is unclear whether the competition was taking place at that time. However, this is unconfirmed and contradicts witness testimonies. The driver of the lead vehicle said that they were planning to go to Fukube Onsen, and as there were no regulations at that time, they continued driving on the road. The security company stated that they usually position guards at signals or major junctions, but this location was a one-lane mountain road with continuous curves and a ban on cycling. Even if they could do so, there may be other roads where vehicles can enter the opposite lane. In fact, the event organizer stated that they do not have a complete list of locations and quantities of roads where vehicles can merge or enter within the traffic restricted route, and not all locations have security guards. The security company also claimed to have used the same course in the past, but did they have the same security measures in place at that time? Were the weather and traffic conditions considered on that day? Participants in this competition and professional athletes have mentioned that there were no announcements such as signs, the traffic rules were not strict, and there were many cars in the opposite lane. There are many testimonies and comments. These investigation results indicate that there may be issues with the safety management of the security company or the organizing body. Lastly, the security company stated that they had placed two security guards 2 kilometers before the accident site, but is this enough? Were there any witnesses to the moment of the accident? How was the response for rescue and reporting after the accident? The notification to the police and fire department was delayed for more than 10 minutes after the incident. Is this not the responsibility of the security company or management company? As mentioned above, the security company’s statement contains contradictions and unclear points, giving the impression that they are trying to cover up the truth about the accident. The police plan to investigate, including possible charges of negligent manslaughter, but it is expected to take time. We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Igarashi, who passed away in this accident, and we hope that the truth will be revealed as soon as possible.
“Tour of Hokkaido” fatal accident: Security company in charge of site security says it is unlikely that the accident vehicle entered the course as specified… Questions remain about the player’s claim that the vehicle “jumped out” (HBC News Hokkaido) – Yahoo News
A tragic accident occurred during the recent “Tour of Hokkaido” bicycle road race held in Kamifurano City, Hokkaido, where a college student participating in the race collided with an oncoming car and died. The security company in charge of traffic regulations at the competition venue, including the accident site, claims that it is impossible for a vehicle to enter the venue during the regulated time, but there are doubts about the evidence and credibility of this claim. This statement is further examined below.
First, the security company admitted that the accident occurred within the designated time, but they have not received any reports that a vehicle passed through. However, depending on the location of the security personnel and the communication conditions, there is a possibility of oversight. Additionally, the security company speculates that the accident vehicle may have entered from somewhere before the regulations were introduced, as it is unclear whether the race was taking place or not, but this is unconfirmed and contradicts testimonies. The driver of the leading vehicle stated, “I was planning to go to Fukiage Onsen, but since there were no regulations at that time, I continued driving along the road.”
Next, the security company stated that as a rule, they position themselves at signals and major branches. However, this location is a one-lane mountain road with continuous curves where bicycles are prohibited from riding. Even if it were possible, there may be other roads that allow entry into the opposite lane. In fact, the event organizer stated that they do not have a complete list of locations and numbers where vehicles can merge or enter within the restricted route, and not all locations have security personnel assigned to them.
In addition, the security company claims to have used the same course in the past, but did they have the same security measures in place back then? Were the weather conditions and traffic taken into consideration? The participants in this competition, including professional athletes, have mentioned that there were no announcements such as signs, that the traffic rules were not very strict, and that there were many cars in the opposite lane. There are numerous testimonies and comments supporting these claims. These investigation results indicate that there are issues with the safety management of the security company or the organizing entity.
Finally, the security company claims to have stationed two security personnel 2 kilometers before the accident site, but is this enough? Were there any witnesses to the moment of the accident? How were the rescue and reporting handled after the accident? The report to the police and fire departments was delayed by more than 10 minutes after the incident. Could this be the responsibility of the security company or the management company?
As mentioned earlier, the security company’s statement contains many contradictions and uncertainties, giving the impression that they are trying to conceal the truth behind the accident. The police plan to conduct an investigation, including the suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death, but it is expected to take time. We pray for the repose of Mr. Igarashi, who passed away in this accident, and hope that the truth will be revealed as soon as possible.