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Passenger Car Hits Pedestrians at Central Kobe Intersection, One Killed

Hyogo police suspect the vehicle accelerated through a red signal, prompting a negligent-driving investigation

Overview

  • A southbound passenger car struck four pedestrians in succession at the Flower Road intersection in Sannomiya before contacting another truck, according to police and witnesses.
  • A 21-year-old woman, identified as Yura Kishigami of Higashinada Ward, died and three other pedestrians aged about 30–70 suffered minor injuries.
  • The car's driver, a man in his 50s, was seriously injured and taken to hospital where he remains under treatment and questioning is being arranged.
  • Police say they suspect the vehicle accelerated through a red light and have opened an inquiry on suspicion of negligent driving causing death and injury while collecting evidence and eyewitness accounts.
  • The crash occurred on a busy prefectural road near Kobe City Hall, and investigators are reconstructing the sequence of impacts to determine responsibility and whether criminal charges will follow.