Seven years ago, high school students and others were caught in an avalanche during climbing training for a club activity in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, resulting in eight people being killed. A teacher and three others are facing charges of professional negligence resulting in death or injury. At the trial, prosecutors requested a four-year prison sentence, arguing that ``the training was carried out carelessly and the negligence was serious.''
On the other hand, the defense argued that they were not guilty, stating that the avalanche could not have been foreseen.
In March 2017, a high school mountaineering club gathered for walking training on Mt. Chausu in Nasu Town when it was caught in an avalanche, killing eight people, seven students and one teacher, and injuring many students. I did.
Three people, including teachers Shuichi Inose (57)
, Hisao Sugamata (55)
, and Hironori Watanabe (61), who were leading
the students in this accident,
have been charged with professional negligence resulting in death or injury.
At a trial held at the Utsunomiya District Court on the 29th, prosecutors argued that the three men, who had knowledge and experience in winter mountain climbing, could have predicted the avalanche, saying, ``If they had collected the necessary weather information, the accident could have been prevented.'' It is clear that they were able to do this, and the negligence of the three who carried out the training carelessly was grave.'' The court asked for four years in prison for each.
On the other hand, the defense argued that the suspects were not guilty, saying, ``They collected the necessary information and set safe limits for training.The avalanche could not have been foreseen.''
The verdict will be handed down on May 30th this year.
Family: ``I hope the verdict will teach us a lesson''
After the trial on the 29th, Okumasa, who lost her eldest son who was a first-year high school student in an accident seven years ago, told reporters, ``Almost seven years have passed since the accident, and I feel like we've finally reached this point.'' I think they have given us the maximum possible punishment that they have considered."
He then said, ``I hope that this court's ruling will serve as a lesson that will help prevent future school accidents.''
In addition, Tatsuyuki Kezuka, who lost his eldest son who was a teacher, said, ``Right after the accident, the bereaved family has been demanding that those responsible be identified and compensated.'' The sentencing of these three people will have a negative impact on future school safety. I want it to become a foundation."