KYOTO - A popular summer attraction in Kyoto’s Kibune district was the scene of a serious accident on Tuesday, when a riverside dining platform collapsed, sending six guests into the water.
The “kawadoko,” an elevated dining deck built over the river to offer a cool summer experience, gave way late in the morning, leaving tatami mats at risk of being swept away as the river turned a muddy brown.
According to the fire department, seven people were on the platform at the time—six customers and a male employee. All six customers fell into the river; five managed to climb out on their own, while a woman in her seventies was stranded. She was rescued by the employee. Both were taken to hospital but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses reported a tense atmosphere in the area, with ambulances and fire engines lining the streets. The incident is believed to have been caused by high water levels following heavy rainfall, which brought 70% of Kyoto’s average August precipitation in just two days. The Kamo River, of which the Kibune River is a tributary, was already swollen and turbulent.
Kibune’s kawadoko are built close to the river, low enough for diners to reach out and touch the water. Local restaurant owners say they monitor river conditions daily to decide whether to open. On August 12th, most venues had chosen to close, with only two reportedly operating. Residents noted that rain had continued until midday on August 11th, leaving the river fast-flowing and conditions borderline for safe operation.
Police are investigating the exact cause of the collapse and the circumstances at the time.
Source: 日テレNEWS
