In July this year, heavy rain fell in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, and a pedestrian woman died on an underground sidewalk that was flooded at once.
At that time, the sidewalk was closed to traffic after the woman died, and the bereaved family decided to file a lawsuit for damages, arguing that the safety measures of the city and prefecture managing the site were inadequate.
On July 19th, a very heavy rain fell in Omihachiman City, and the water level of the submerged underground sidewalk suddenly rose, and Suzumi Iwata (72), who was walking, drowned and died.
The site had been flooded from time to time during heavy rains, but it was about five hours after the city closed the road.
Iwata's family has decided to sue the city that manages the sidewalk and Shiga Prefecture for damages of about 40 million yen, arguing that her safety measures were inadequate.
Although she was aware of the danger of flooding in advance, she did not take necessary measures and claimed that there was a problem with management.
On the other hand, the city and prefectural governments have said that the accident could not be prevented because the water level rose suddenly due to unexpected heavy rain. It is
Ms. Iwata's eldest son said, "The city told us that it was 'unexpected heavy rain,' but then her mother's death would end as 'I had no choice.' I did."
The city and the prefecture are saying, "I can't comment" about the movement of the lawsuit.