A deputy mayor from the Japanese city of Saijo, Akihiro Nabae, tragically lost his life this past weekend after being crushed by a massive festival float. The incident occurred during a traditional parade when the heavy structure, which can weigh up to three tonnes, reportedly collapsed on him. Authorities are currently working to determine the precise cause of the accident, investigating whether the float suffered a mechanical failure or if the victim lost his footing while participating in the procession.

The Saijo festival, a historic event dating back to the Edo period, is famous for its elaborate, ornate floats designed to celebrate the harvest. Unfortunately, this incident is part of a troubling string of fatalities occurring at Japanese cultural celebrations recently. Within the last week alone, two other individuals died in separate float-related accidents in Osaka, adding to a series of safety concerns following similar fatal crowd-crush incidents at other traditional events earlier this year.