Two Killed In Deer - Vehicle Collision In Hokkaido
Police in the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido are investigating an auto crash that killed two people that was apparently caused by a deer.
Police said they received a call on Wednesday that a deer had collided with a vehicle on a national highway in Shibecha Town, Hokkaido.
Three people were taken to a hospital from the site of the head-on collision involving a truck and a van.
Two men in the van have died. The driver of the truck remains unconscious and in serious condition.
A deer was found lying at the scene.
Police believe one of the drivers veered onto the opposing lane after hitting the deer, and rammed into the other vehicle.
The Hokkaido prefectural police headquarters says more than 4,000 deer-related auto accidents were reported last year, marking a record high for the fifth straight year.
About 40 percent of the accidents last year occurred in October and November, when deer become active during the mating season or relocate to places where they will spend the winter.