A worker died on Saturday from severe burns during a traditional mountain burning event at Akiyoshidai park in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan's largest karst plateau. Authorities said the controlled blaze started around 10 a.m., and about 20 minutes later, firefighters reported a man engulfed in flames, who was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead. The incident occurred despite enhanced safety measures following a similar fatal accident in 2017.
Akiyoshidai park in the city of Mine, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is renowned as Japan's largest karst plateau, featuring scattered white limestone formations and grassy hills. The annual controlled burning event, known as yakewari, involves locals and city officials using gas burners to torch the grass at multiple spots, aimed at protecting the ecosystem and preparing the landscape for the new year. Firefighters were on hand to oversee the operation.
The blaze began around 10 a.m. on Saturday. Approximately 20 minutes later, firefighters alerted police that a man had been engulfed by the flames. He was transported to a hospital but was confirmed dead. According to the city of Mine, a volunteer firefighter tasked with containing the fire's spread remains unaccounted for. Around 4,000 people were present in the park at the time.
This tragedy marks the second such fatal incident at the event, following a similar death from burns in 2017, after which local authorities had intensified efforts to prevent accidents. Officials are investigating the cause, highlighting ongoing concerns over safety protocols during these traditional practices.
