Multiple injured as tree falls on youth football match in Shizuoka

A tree fell near a sports ground in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Saturday, injuring multiple people including children. The incident occurred at approximately 12:00 local time while a youth football match was underway at the site.

According to police, the tree collapsed near the ground where the match was taking place. Several individuals, including minors, were transported to hospital following the accident. The exact number of those injured has not been specified, with authorities describing the group only as "multiple people."

NHK News Japan reported the details of the incident at 15:16 on 19 July 2026, citing police confirmation. The broadcaster also released aerial footage showing the fallen tree at the scene.

The specific cause of the tree falling, whether due to wind, structural failure, or other factors, has not been disclosed in the available reports. The accident took place during a period of extreme heat across western and northern Japan, although no direct meteorological link has been established between the weather conditions and the tree fall.

Authorities are continuing to assess the situation. The incident is unrelated to separate tsunami advisories issued for other parts of Japan following a magnitude 8.2 earthquake elsewhere in the country.