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3 die in Saitama scooter crash

48 Comments

Four minors, aged between 16 and 18, attempted to ride a two-person "big scooter" in Saitama on Thursday morning, resulting in a crash which killed three and seriously injured the fourth.

The accident was reported to police by an employee at a nearby convenience store at around 5:30 a.m., TV Asahi reported.

According to eyewitnesses, two boys and two girls attempted to ride the 250cc scooter all at once. Investigators say that evidence taken at the scene suggests the scooter collided with the curb. No other vehicle was involved, police said. One boy and both girls died of their injuries, TV Asahi reported.

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48 Comments
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Being young, making bad decisions, we have all done it at one point or another. It's sad that laughs can suddenly turn to tears in a matter of seconds.

15 ( +14 / -3 )

Geez, what bad luck for them. They must have hit exessive speeds to kill three of them. You would think they have better things to do than that.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

The biggest single fear in my life right now is that my 6 year old boy, who is already showing the signs of no fear and total training wheels off and hurtling down a hill craziness, is one day going to be 18 and no longer within my control.

There but for the grace of God go many of us I am sure. RIP crazy teenagers, and condolences to your families.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Really sad

According to eyewitnesses, two boys and two girls attempted to ride the 250cc scooter at once

Totally bad judgement..I wonder where they got the scooter...btw, this sentence is a bit awkward!

5 ( +5 / -0 )

At 5am?...Parent's?

maybe they should introduce the Do you know where your kids are? PSA to Japan...

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Careless riders aren't riding the scooter, they're aiming it.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Everyone should agree that minors at this age actually cannot avoid occasionally ending up engaging in these kinds of crazy stunts (they do it only because it's crazy). However bad of a judgment it may be, it is an important learning process for them to grow up after actually facing grave circumstances, while others would die from it. As sad and unfortunate as this incident truly is (RIP), hopefully through the high media coverage and more emphasis on the risks and consequences during the license acquisition seminars it should at least send a clear, strong and practical warning going forward to other minors who may have otherwise attempted to do the same without much prior thinking.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

They may have deserved a harsh lesson for being so stupid, but they certainly did not deserve to die. We all do some pretty stupid things when young (some far stupider, obviously), and fortunately most of us live to realize the stupidity of what we used to do. Unfortunately, these lads won't, save the one, who will live with it for the rest of his life. The only good that can come of this is if the fourth kid uses it to drastically change his life, and that it will serve as a warning to others.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

It seemed like a good idea at the time..

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Hit the curb, overturned and fell down a ravine??

They must have weighed about 200kg (together) so I can't see the scooter going at high speed. No other vehicle involved... Probably not wearing helmets, but still... 3 of them died? Damn! Hopefully the seriously injured 4th kid survives and will be able to shed more light on what exactly happened.

Rest in peace, you wild ones!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@Mirai Hayashi

Since he was about 11, I have never known the exact whereabouts of my stepson on weekends, except that he was sleeping over at his friend's place. Every weekend. And sanctioned by his mother, not so much by me.

And when my real son gets old enough, he'll be playing with his friends and waling around the neighbourhood as he pleases. Neither his mother or I wish to glue a video camera to his head and then keep watch on him back home every time he steps out the door. Sure he would not appreciate it if either us accompanied him either.

These kids - 16 and 18, they're old enough to know better, but at that age, kids think they are invincible. Shame that not all of us make it to adulthood (even though there's some pretty dumb adults as well)

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I think everyone has done something stupid at that age and was lucky to survive, especially if you have ridden bikes.I I know I have. Sad these kids are all dead though.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Reformedbasher: So you are going for the ignorance is bliss route. That may be fine for you but I think a sightly more hands on approach is better. This is coming from my own experience of having no parental control though my teen years. Luckily I survived all the madness I took part in, but sadly some in my group didn't. However, you I think you would agree that it might be good to have your 16 years old kid at home at 5:00am on a Thursday unless they have pre-cleared plans with you.

Also, where did they get the scooter? I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be one of the parents.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Those "big scooters" can go fast. Specially if it was a mod. This is a shame, terribly sad.

Many talk about how late it is but Japan does have a curfew but how many kids in the world break curfew. Not to mention its not odd to see kids out late now with it being test season. Kids are staying in these cram school all night sometimes.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

a kid older than 16 can have a license for motorcycle smaller than 400 cc, and it's possible that one of the kids did have a license and the bike, and tried to impress the girls. young kids, girls, hormones, Saitama. bad combination.

in my house we had a rule: my parents allowed me to go anywhere, all-inght party, clubbing all night, go to a hotel with a girl etc., as long as they knew where I was and how to contact me in case or emergency (there were no cell phones back then)

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I was a real hands-on parent when my son was young; we spent a lot of time together doing some very adventurous things, and of course he got hurt occasionally - once ended up in the hospital for two weeks. At 17, he's still adventurous (took off from Kumamoto to Nagasaki by himself last year just 'cause he wanted to), but he's not reckless. He never worries me.

An early introduction to pain can be a life-long lesson.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Back on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I know one of the girls

0 ( +1 / -1 )

omicron: really sorry to hear that.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Feel bad for the parents, but why weren't they in bed sleeping and then getting ready for school?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

**Since he was about 11, I have never known the exact whereabouts of my stepson on weekends, except that he was sleeping over at his friend's place. Every weekend. And sanctioned by his mother, not so much by me.

And when my real son gets old enough, he'll be playing with his friends and waling around the neighbourhood as he pleases. Neither his mother or I wish to glue a video camera to his head and then keep watch on him back home every time he steps out the door. Sure he would not appreciate it if either us accompanied him either.**

Thursday morning at 5am. Sorry but the questions asking about parenting is fair. They're 16-18 year olds. 18 I get being out if they're uni students but 16? Nope. At 5am on a Thursday you are either home and if out, on your way to club. Not screwing around on a scooter with three other friends. Thankfully they didn't hurt anyone else.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

children die and people start verbally assaulting the parents... ??? where is the logic in that. have some compassion o wait look where I am.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Clemens SimonJun. 22, 2012 - 11:35AM JST

They must have weighed about 200kg (together) so I can't see the scooter going at high speed.

two boys and two girls attempted to ride the 250cc scooter

never been to China or Thailand etc ? whole families and a dog ride scooters smaller than this one ...

http://tinyurl.com/scooterfamily

tmarieJun. 22, 2012 - 02:24PM JST

Thankfully they didn't hurt anyone else.

sad accident, but I agree

2 ( +2 / -0 )

A we lucky ones were left alive. Hoping the remaining kid makes it through.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@sakula

Actually I err on the protective side. I've been opposed to my stepson sleeping over every weekend and argued with my soon-to-be-ex wife about it. As for my son, I'm the one who constantly watches he doesn't kill himself. Another source of argument. My wife is a good mother but has no clue about safety. Doesn't lock up properly either.

But I stick by what I say. It's normal for kids to be unattended as they get older. It's impossible to constantly watch them and probably unhealthy too. So I settle for a home where the kids don't think they're "prisoners" and do my best to teach them right from wrong. And, trust me, I'm very strict about this as they've both found out in the past.

Yeah, kids are a worry but you do what you can. Can't stand irresponsible parents who let their kids run amok. (the stepson is turning out okay, the son should be fine too)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@tmarie

Agree 16 at 5AM is ridiculous but I'd want to be certain the parents even knew they were out before I speculate. Even if they did know though, some kids are uncontrollable. My own sister had moved out and was pregnant at 16. Not my parent's fault. I was living outside of home and working when I was 16. That was my parent's fault but I've forgiven them. Freely admit I was clueless about life at that age. Thankfully I could think for myself and never hung out with a bad crowd. Still kicking.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

children die and people start verbally assaulting the parents... ??? where is the logic in that. have some compassion o wait look where I am.

I don't see where anyone is verbally assaulting the parents. What I see are posters who are fed up with reading about dead kids and wondering why on earth the kids were in the positions they were in to be killed.

Reformed, indeed but you know why kids are out of control at 16? Because parents didn't control them when they were young. Kids don't all of a sudden "go bad", it is years built over time of issues.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

saru_au: My bad. I read their ages, overlooked the 2 in front of the 50cc and wrongly assumed they were on one of those smaller ones. Thanks for pointing it out.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I feel so much sadness for the teenagers and their families. I really do. But I am sorry, I blame the parents for letting their kids go hog wild. My daughter will NOT BE DOING THAT. No way. No how. I will know where she is going.

It seems that a lot of people are saying they can't control their kids and that is simply hogwash nonsense. The parents are at fault here for letting their kids go wild. We are parents and it is our responsibility to make sure that are kids do not do stupid things like this. PARENTS. That is our job!!! When they are over 20 it is their business, but up until that point it is OUR responsibility.

I feel great sympathy for the parents because they are now paying for not controlling their kids and teaching them a lot more sense then getting on a death trap. RIP to the poor kids whose parents failed them. Yes, I am blaming the parents. I pity them and blame them both. Don't have kids if you can't control them. There are no excuses. Sorry.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

1 bad choice and a lifetime full of regret. The sad thing is sometimes there aren't second chances, that's life. My heart goes out to the grieving families friends and classmates of these young ones whose life was cut short.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I may have misunderstood but I thought I heard on the TV news that they were NOT wearing helmets? That's just TOO crazy...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Aren't they bosozo? In this age, to be at 5am in the streets in a Friday.... might be.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I will know where she is going.

Good luck with that. I'm sure you've never rebelled against authority, right?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Stay on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There have been many deaths and accidents reported about minors and teens in Japan. Most of us are saddened to read this kind of news. But has anyone even investigated or thought of what are causing this kind of no fear attitudes by the victims. I have no idea how many of you here belong to the age bracket of seniors. And if there are some, I am sure they have some knowldege why. IMHO I blame this to the high tech video games this youngsters are exposed at a very young age.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Yea like it was bad parenting...lol NOT we are all extremely stupid when teens just most of us are lucky enough to survive our dumbness. RIP un-lucky ones.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So sad. Kids will be kids. Even at university we see deaths every year due to silly drinking games. I'm not sure about the right age to let them off the leash.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

people down voting people calling out where the parents are..please note that these gets were between 16 and 18 and riding a scooter at 5:30 in the morning on a school night...are you telling me you would be perfectly find with your 16 year old daughters/sons out until 5:30 am horsing around on a weekday? When I was 16 years old I had a curfew of 8 on weekdays and 9 to 10 on weekends if I went outside. Mind you I am 25 so this wasn't all that long ago. I didn't gain the right to do whatever I pleased and go where ever and whenever until I graduated from high school. It is really sad these kids died like this..when they should have been at home in their beds or just waking up to get ready for school.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Why is everyone complaining about these kids being out at late at night? It's very possible they were out early in the morning because we have sunrise in Japan at 4:30 am this time of year. Actually, its very bright outside at 5:30 and the darkness has nothing to do with the accident. This is such an unfortunate accident, and I feel deeply sorry for all the families involved.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The one who survived probably is doomed. How long do you think he'll last, knowing he survived when his friends didn't? If he was the driver, then that makes it worse as he was the killer. Better keep him away from all sharp objects.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well said Usa.

Vernie, you think that these kids were out viewing the sunrise? I have a bottle of pills to sell you that will make your body just as you want it....

Yea like it was bad parenting...lol NOT we are all extremely stupid when teens just most of us are lucky enough to survive our dumbness.

Sorry but no. While I did a few crazy things I would never have been dumb enough to try and get four people on a scooter, sans helmets. And I wouldn't have been out at that time as my parents would have killed me if I had tried. It IS bad parenting if you raise your kids to be this dumb.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The problem of developed societies is the obsession with protecting our youth, Japan especially, theres no aspect of "real life", we dont see any danger in the built up areas here so the young have no understanding of it.

You can tell a child the plate is hot, but he will still touch it to see, children need more experience at the less deadly dangers.

All this dangerous driving and stuff nowadays, nothing more than to feel the thrill one gets from learning with danger, no doubt we have been programmed by evolution to enjoy learning what is dangerous in order to protect us, as we remove the minor dangers all we are left with is the bigger ones.

Example: that daft soft doorhandle cover so children wont bang/hurt their heads. Let them bang them i say! It will teach them to be more wary of looking after their heads.

Those poor youths and their families, my heart goes out to them.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Usagito Saru & Tmarie, You actually think their parents knew they where not home in bed??? Come on you cannot be that naive. My parents didn't know I was sneaking out at night ...usually! ; ) Well there are way more disobedient teens out there than you realize. Thomas hit the actual reason, biology....a teens brain has not developed to that stage to truly understand the impact of their actions without experiencing the results first hand.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Madmel, do you know differently? Do you know the parents didn't know? There are plenty of disobedient teens out there, no doubt about it but disobedience doesn't equal stupidity.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

As if adults would never do something so stupid! Ever see the show Jackass?

I don't think I would have participated in this stunt even when I was 16 to 18, at least not unless I was the one in control. I don't think its fair to call youth dumb. Then there is the fact that hindsight is 20/20. What is really dumb is using that to act like you knew all along this stunt would result in death! Anyone could have predicted injury, but death? No.

If these teenagers were dumb, I would guess it was DNA, not youth. This is Japan, and when teenagers are out so late here with scooters, the safe bet is they are low tier in all respects, and always will be.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Poor kids and their families. Too blame the kids or their parents for an accident like this is pathetic.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

So Mike, who should be blamed?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

DNA???? give me a break. "this is Japan"!!! and that means what? Guess what, the nails that stick up are less frequently getting hammered down in Japan and individuality can spread its wings in the wrong direction sometimes and result in these unfortunate incidence. Parents who are the most iron fisted are often the ones who get the most rebellion from teens and I have a few dead friends because parents pushed discipline to far. There is no cookie cutter recipe for parent hood so cut the crap about the parents. Young teens are far more worldly and street wise that I probably was 5 years their senior back in the early 80's. Teens are damn smart but not skilled at life don't insult their intelligence with this crap that any bad decision they make is their parents fault....what a load. My kids will do the same thing and I will have more grey hair because I know the crazy, dumb, fun stuff I did behind my parents back. I am not going to lock my kids in a box until adult hood and neither should you.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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