Gunma Prefecture honors victims of 2018 helicopter crash

Officials and families gathered in Nakanojo town on Monday to mark the eight-year anniversary of a fatal helicopter crash in Gunma Prefecture ^[1].

The ceremony serves as a critical reminder of the risks inherent in disaster-aviation operations and the ongoing struggle of families to find closure. It also pressures local government to maintain strict safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.

The crash occurred in August 2018 ^[1] in a mountainous region on the border between Gunma and Nagano prefectures. All nine occupants aboard the disaster-prevention helicopter "Haruna" died in the accident ^[1]. The crew included personnel from the local fire department.

Shiohara Kiyoshi, vice-chair of the bereaved families association, spoke during the memorial about the enduring pain of the loss. He said that regardless of how many years pass, he cannot forget that his child suddenly disappeared. Shiohara said the families' desire to ensure the accident does not fade from memory, and that the same tragedy is never repeated, remains unchanged.

Governor Kazuta Yamamoto also addressed the attendees. He pledged that the prefecture would put every effort into the safety management of its disaster-aviation system. Yamamoto said he vowed to ensure the accident is not forgotten and is used as a lesson to prevent a recurrence.

The event focused on the balance between the necessity of emergency aviation for public safety and the rigorous oversight required to protect the lives of those operating the aircraft. The 2018 incident remains one of the most significant losses of emergency personnel in the region's history ^[1].