Helicopter crash victims remembered in Japan a yearlater

August 11, 2019

Nakanojo, Gunma Pref.--A memorial service was held in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, Sunday for the seven rescue workers killed in the crash of a disaster response helicopter a year ago.

"They were trusted, respected and liked by many people. We're proud of them," Gunma Governor Ichita Yamamoto said of the seven victims at the memorial service in the town of Nakanojo attended by about 350 people.

"We'll work hard to prevent any repeat of such an accident," Yamamoto said.

"Please keep an eye on us. We'll never forget you," said Shuichi Okamoto, chief of the prefectural disaster response air corps.

"I still think my son may come home. I can't forget him," Yasuo Hachisuka, the father of Masao, one of the victims, said after the ceremony.

The helicopter, Haruna, crashed into a mountain in Nakanojo on Aug. 10 last year, killing all nine crew members aboard, including the seven rescue workers. Jiji Press