Key Facts
• June 28, 2024: Dump truck accident in Nago City, Okinawa, kills one, injures one.
• A 47-year-old male security guard died; a 70-year-old female protester was severely injured.
• August 6 and 8, 2025: Police interrogated the injured woman on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
• “All Okinawa Conference” issued a statement on August 8, 2025, demanding withdrawal of accusations.
• The group claims the woman is a victim, not a suspect, and criticizes political motives.
• They argue the Okinawa Defense Bureau and contractors bear responsibility for unsafe operations.
• The protester was opposing the relocation of the U.S. Futenma Air Base to Henoko.
• The incident occurred during a protest against transporting construction materials for the base.
Summary
A fatal dump truck accident in Nago City, Okinawa, during protests against the U.S. Futenma Air Base relocation, has sparked controversy. A 47-year-old security guard died, and a 70-year-old female protester was severely injured. Police interrogated the woman on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, prompting the “All Okinawa Conference” to demand the immediate withdrawal of accusations. The group asserts the woman is a victim and accuses authorities of politically motivated actions to suppress protests. They also highlight the responsibility of the Okinawa Defense Bureau and contractors for unsafe operations. The incident underscores tensions surrounding the Henoko base construction.
