A vehicle barrels into pedestrian space in central Japan, killing a schoolgirl

Officials say a vehicle struck four children riding bicycles on a street in central Japan, killing one and injuring the others, one seriously

Monday 24 March 2025 12:54 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A vehicle struck four children riding bicycles on a street in central Japan on Monday, killing one and injuring the others, one seriously. The 78-year-old driver was arrested, officials said.

The crash occurred in the city of Hamamatsu. Officials said the two other children suffered no life-threatening injuries.

The Hamamatsu fire department said the children were elementary schoolgirls, aged under 10.

Police arrested the driver of a white mini truck, a farmer, for alleged negligence. Television footage showed the bicycles, with one crushed and mangled near the truck that apparently barreled into pedestrian space on the one-lane street and hit the children from behind.

The driver admitted to hitting and injuring the children but did not remember how it happened, according to the police.

Accidents caused by older drivers have been a concern in Japan. The government in recent years has stepped up a safety awareness campaign.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

A vehicle barrels into pedestrian space in central Japan, killing a schoolgirl

Officials say a vehicle struck four children riding bicycles on a street in central Japan, killing one and injuring the others, one seriously

A vehicle barrels into pedestrian space in central Japan, killing a schoolgirl

Thank you for registering