In a tragic incident in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, a car crash has claimed the lives of three young men, with one other critically injured. The accident occurred around 12:30 PM on April 24, 2025, when a passenger vehicle carrying four men fell from a levee road along the Tenryu River and collided with a water gate.
The vehicle, driven by a 20-year-old man from Miyada Village, crashed after reportedly losing control on the levee road, which is known for its straight stretch but is also a place where vehicles can easily exceed speed limits. The driver, along with a 19-year-old man from Iida City and another 20-year-old man from Komagane City, died as a result of the accident. Additionally, a 19-year-old man from Iida City remains in critical condition and is currently unconscious.
Witnesses near the scene, including employees from a nearby factory, alerted emergency services, stating, "A car had fallen from the levee road near a water gate, the damage was severe, and rescue was not possible." The severity of the crash left the car so mangled that it was nearly unrecognizable, with red steel beams covering the wreckage.
All four individuals involved were trainees at the Iida Technical College, located close to where the crash occurred. It is believed they had gone out during their lunch break when the accident took place. The principal of the technical college expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "I cannot believe this has happened. The instructors are faced with the painful reality that the trainees they taught just hours earlier are now gone or fighting for their lives."
Local residents have commented on the road conditions, noting that while it is not heavily trafficked, vehicles often travel at speeds exceeding 60 km/h. One resident remarked, "There aren’t many cars, so it’s easy to speed on this road." This has raised concerns about the safety of the levee road, especially given the recent tragedy.
The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, focusing on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the crash. The investigation aims to determine whether negligence or other factors contributed to this devastating event.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting discussions about road safety and the need for increased awareness among drivers, particularly in areas where accidents could have severe consequences. As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, there is a collective hope that lessons can be learned to prevent future tragedies.
As Iida City grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, support services are being mobilized to assist the families affected and the students at the technical college who are dealing with the grief of losing their peers. The local government has expressed its condolences and is working to provide resources for those in need.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. As investigations continue, the community remains hopeful for answers and healing in the wake of this devastating loss.
