Japan: Helicopter crash northwest of Tokyo August 10

Event

A rescue helicopter with nine people on board - disaster management officials and firefighters - crashed on Friday, August 10, in a mountainous area of Gunma prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. The mission of the helicopter was to observe hiking routes between Gunma and Nagano prefectures.

Context

Helicopter accidents happen occasionally in Japan. In February, two military personnel died in a crash in the south. In 2017, nine passengers died when a helicopter crashed during a rescue drill.

Advice

Individuals present in Gunma prefecture should anticipate some road restrictions in the vicinity of the crash and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.