Two die as woman falls on passerby during suicide jump from rooftop in Japan

In a tragic incident in Japan, two people lost their lives when a teenage girl attempted to commit suicide by jumping from the rooftop of a 12th-floor shopping center and falling on a pedestrian below.

The incident happened on Saturday when a 17-year-old girl jumped from a high point in the crowded district of Yokohama city and struck a 30-year-old woman on the ground. 

Both women were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead an hour later.

The teenager committed suicide on August 31, shortly before the start of the new school year in September.

Suicide is a common problem among young people in Japan. The country has the highest suicide rate among under-18s within the G-7 nations.

According to Japanese authorities, the suicide rate surprisingly increases when September 1 approaches, the first day of the new academic year in Japanese schools.

As per the previous survey by the Japanese Ministry of Education, children who avoid attending school, known as 'futokos,' often experience family issues or bullying within their academic institutions.

At least 513 children ended their lives in 2023 due to school-related issues.

In recent years, authorities and media organisations have sought to increase public awareness of the challenges students face during this time of year.