On the night of March 22, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, where a 17-year-old female high school student lost her life after being struck by a light passenger car while crossing the street. The victim, identified as Miona Sugimoto, a second-year student at a nearby high school, was crossing a pedestrian walkway in Suehiro-cho when she was hit around 9:20 PM.
Sugimoto sustained severe head injuries from the collision and was rendered unconscious. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead approximately two hours later in the hospital, leaving her family and community in deep mourning.
The police apprehended 50-year-old Yae Nazuma, the driver of the car, on the spot. She is a caregiver living in the vicinity and was arrested on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in injury soon after the accident. As investigations progressed, the police are set to switch the charges to negligent driving resulting in death as the circumstances of the accident were further analyzed.
According to the authorities, the pedestrian crossing where the unfortunate event occurred does not feature traffic lights, which could have helped manage the flow of vehicles and pedestrians better. Witnesses reported that the car was traveling southeast on a straight road with good visibility when it struck Sugimoto.
In an admission of her involvement, Nazuma stated, "There is no doubt that I caused the accident," acknowledging her role in the collision that cost a young life. This statement, reported by TBS NEWS DIG, highlights the gravity of the incident, resonating with the community that is now seeking answers and justice.
The local community, heartbroken over the loss of such a vibrant young life, is calling for greater attention to road safety, especially at pedestrian crossings that lack traffic control measures. Many believe that clearer signals and some form of active monitoring are essential in preventing similar tragedies in the future. Furthermore, they argue that drivers and pedestrians alike must exercise greater vigilance while navigating these high-traffic areas.
Road safety advocates are rallying for stricter regulations and better infrastructure to ensure pedestrian safety is not compromised. The incident is a somber reminder of the potential dangers present at pedestrian crossings, particularly those that are unregulated and heavily trafficked.
In light of this tragic accident, local authorities have indicated an intention to review safety measures at such crossings. This review could lead to improvements in pedestrian signage, the installation of traffic lights, or other interventions aimed at preventing another loss of life.
Sugimoto's passing marks a devastating moment for her family, peers, and educators who have all been affected by this tragic loss. As the investigation continues and community discussions escalate around pedestrian safety, many hope that awareness will lead to real change.
This incident not only serves as a wake-up call for Nasushiobara City but for many regions where similar accidents occur frequently. The collective effort to improve road safety can only gain momentum in the face of such heartbreaking events.
Sugimoto’s family, friends, and the wider community are left to mourn as they come to terms with this unfathomable loss, hoping for changes that could prevent future tragedies and ensure that roads remain safe for all pedestrians.
