7-yr prison term finalized for ex-truck driver over crash that killed 6
TSU, Japan (Kyodo) -- A seven-year prison term was finalized on Thursday for a former truck driver whose use of a smartphone while driving caused a mu
On March 20, a devastating crash occurred on the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, Japan, resulting in the tragic deaths of six individuals. The incident was caused by the negligent actions of former truck driver Mitsuyo Mizutani, 55, who was using her smartphone while behind the wheel. Mizutani did not appeal the verdict, which was handed down by the Tsu District Court on Thursday.
Prosecutors sought the maximum penalty of seven years in prison for negligent driving resulting in death, and Judge Hiroaki Deguchi agreed, describing Mizutani's driving as "extremely careless" and her negligence as "grave." At approximately 82 kilometers per hour, well above the speed limit, Mizutani was observed watching short videos on her smartphone for more than ten seconds near the exit of a tunnel.
Her actions led to a catastrophic chain reaction involving a minivan and a sport utility vehicle. The crash claimed the lives of Koji Matsumoto, 45, and four family members in the minivan, as well as Keizo Takamine, 56, who was driving the SUV.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
