8日午前0時半すぎ、埼玉県上尾市上町の上尾警察署前の交差点で、緊急走行中のパトカーと軽乗用車が衝突た。

事故により軽乗用車に乗っていた20代とみられる男女4人は頭部などが強く打たれ、病院に搬送された。一方、パトカーに乗っていた警察官2人のうち1人は軽傷。全員意識があるという。

同署によると、事故当時、パトカーは「路上に人が倒れている」という通報を受け現場に向かう途中だった。赤色灯を点灯しサイレンを鳴らしながら赤信号の交差点に進み、軽乗用車と衝突したという。

同署五明修副署長は、負傷者の早い回復を祈りつつ、事故の詳細と緊急走行の適正性について調査を進めていると述べた。

警察は今回の事故を受け、緊急走行の適否を含め、事故の全容解明に向かって調べている。

Emergency Police Vehicle Collides with Car:

4 Hospitalised, Driving Protocols Under Review

At approximately 12:30 AM on the 8th, a collision occurred between a police car on an emergency call and a compact vehicle at an intersection in front of the Ageo Police Station in Kamimachi, Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture.

As a result of the accident, four individuals in their 20s who were in the compact vehicle suffered severe head injuries and were transported to the hospital. One of the two police officers in the patrol car sustained minor injuries.

Police reports indicate that the patrol car was responding to a call about someone who collapsed on the road. According to officials, the vehicle had its emergency lights and sirens activated as it proceeded through a red light at the intersection when the collision occurred.

Deputy Chief Osamu Gomyo of the Ageo Police Station commented:

We pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured.

He also stated that a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the accident and the appropriateness of the emergency driving procedures is underway.

In response to this incident, the police are working to uncover all aspects of the accident, including whether the emergency driving methods were appropriate.