TOKYO, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two men were killed and 16 others injured in separate accidents involving traditional festival floats in two cities in Japan's western prefecture of Osaka on Saturday, local police said.
In Izumisano, a 51-year-old man was trapped beneath a float that overturned while he was riding it with other participants. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital, while seven others were injured.
In a separate incident in Izumiotsu, a float also overturned, killing a 48-year-old man who was among those trapped underneath. Nine others were injured, according to prefectural police.
The accidents are believed to have occurred during "yarimawashi," a highlight of the festivals in which teams of participants pull danjiri floats around corners at high speed, with riders potentially losing their balance, police said.
Police are investigating the circumstances of both accidents. ■