Police plan to refer three former officials of the Fukuoka City Fire Academy, including the former principal, to prosecutors on January 21 on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death. In July 2024, a 26-year-old firefighter trainee drowned during a water rescue drill at a 3.3-meter-deep pool in Nishi Ward. A city report found that 52 recruits were treading water simultaneously in a training exercise conducted for over 30 years without incident. Investigators said the school failed to question its safety. Police believe the training plan lacked proper risk assessment and safety measures but was still approved by senior officials. Source: RKB News / NHK News
Photo: RKB News
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