2016.09.06
Three killed in two separate Friday motorcycle accidents
Two separate fatal accidents involving motorcycles occurred in Yaese and Kadena Towns respectively early Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of three men.
In Yaese Town, 35-year-old Shiro Gibo was driving his car when he veered over the centerline and crashed into an oncoming motorbike in Shitahaku, Yaese Town.
According to Itoman Police, Gibo told investigators that he had taken his eyes off the road while looking for a cigarette, and inadvertently veered over the centerline.
23-year-old Katsuhisa Sonan from Yaese Town, the driver of the motorbike, was confirmed dead at the site. 23-year-old Masashi Toyokawa, a passenger on the bike, was taken unconscious and in critical condition to a hospital, where he also died shortly after arrival
Gobo was arrested on the spot on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in death and injury. He has reportedly admitted to the charges.
The second accident occurred on Highway 58 in Kadena Town about 1:10 Friday morning.
44-year-old Ginowan resident Yuji Inafuku lost control and fell down for an unknown reason while riding on his motorbike on Route 58 towards Chatan from Kadena Rotary intersection.
Police continue investigating the cause of the accident.