Pokémon GO was released a little less than two months ago and has received a huge global reaction. While there have been previous reports of players being injured or worse, this is the first time Japan has reported a Pokémon GO related death. The accident took place in the city of Tokushima, where a 39-year-old man was playing the game while driving. He hit two pedestrians, killing one, and severely injuring the other. The woman that passed away was in her 70s and died due to spinal injury.
The driver of the vehicle was taken into police custody after the accident and told the authorities that he was playing Pokémon GO while driving, and did not see the two pedestrians. After the incident, Niantic Inc., the developer of Pokémon GO, issued a statement saying:
“We express our deep condolences to the family and acquaintances. We are still looking into the details of the incident. We will take any necessary steps following the completion of an investigation.”
Many public bodies from different countries have issued various warnings in an attempt to increase the safety of players. According to Bloomberg, Japan has put up signs in public areas asking people not to walk while using their smartphones in order to prevent game related injuries.