KYODO NEWS



 

A newly opened giant slide in southwestern Japan has been closed after four people sustained broken bones while using it, the local government said Friday.

The 30-meter slide at the top of Mt. Sarakura in Kitakyushu, a popular nightscape spot, opened to the public on April 25, but a tourist from Taiwan in her 30s broke her shin on May 28 while using it.

The local government subsequently uncovered the three other cases, involving a municipal employee who tried the slide before it opened to the public, a 2-year-old held by her older sister, and a man in his 70s.
The slide has been closed since June 3.

According to the city in Fukuoka Prefecture, some injuries are believed to be attributable to users not falling within the recommended age range of 6 to 12, as stated on a nearby sign that also warned users against sliding while holding someone.

Kitakyushu is planning on increasing the number of languages on signs, with the hope of reopening the equipment in July.