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Shizuoka Police Refer Ryoko Hirosue in Tunnel Crash on Suspicion of Negligent Driving Causing Injury

Prosecutors now decide on possible indictment following a decision not to apply the harsher dangerous driving charge.

Overview

  • The referral on November 13 concerns an April 7 collision on the Shin-Tomei Expressway in a Kakegawa tunnel that left a male passenger with a bone fracture.
  • Investigators concluded the car was traveling at least 160 km/h just before impact and found no brake marks at the scene.
  • After rear-ending a large trailer, the vehicle struck both tunnel walls before coming to a stop, according to police findings.
  • Police had explored a dangerous driving causing injury case, conducted a search of Hirosue’s Tokyo residence, and staged an on-site inspection with her present, but judged that charge difficult to apply.
  • A local report says Hirosue told investigators she was momentarily distracted, with the pre-impact speed estimated near 185 km/h.