Why was the 85-year-old Nagoya bus driver's psychiatric detention extended after the crash that killed 2?

Quick answer: The Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office said on 13 October 2026 that psychiatric detention for Teruya Sakai, 85, has been extended until 21 December. Sakai was arrested after a microbus crash in Minami Ward, Nagoya, on 29 May that killed two pedestrians on a crosswalk.

Key facts

• What: Psychiatric detention extended in fatal microbus crash case
• Where: Minami Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
• Original crash: 29 May 2026, about 5:35pm; two pedestrians killed on a crosswalk at an intersection
• Driver: Teruya Sakai, 85, arrested on suspicion of Road Traffic Act violations including hit-and-run
• Detention: Psychiatric detention to assess criminal responsibility, begun in June, extended from 13 October to 21 December 2026
• Source: Sankei News, 13 October 2026

What happened

The original crash happened at about 5:35pm on 29 May. According to Sankei News, a microbus struck a man and a woman who were walking on a crosswalk at an intersection in Minami Ward, Nagoya. Both pedestrians died.

Sakai, the 85-year-old driver, was arrested on suspicion of offences including hit-and-run under the Road Traffic Act. Prosecutors are using psychiatric detention to examine whether he bears criminal responsibility.

That detention began in June and was originally scheduled to end on 13 October. On 13 October, the Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office announced it had been extended until 21 December. Prosecutors did not disclose the reason for the extension.

Investigators say Sakai's statements about the circumstances before and after the crash partly differ from objective evidence, including dashcam footage. They also say there may have been some change in his physical condition in the days before the crash. These questions are central to the psychiatric assessment, which will help determine how the case proceeds.

What happens next

The psychiatric assessment will continue until 21 December. Its findings will inform prosecutors' decisions about criminal responsibility and any charges. We will update this article if prosecutors announce further developments.

Older drivers and road safety

• Older drivers should have regular health and vision checks and discuss any new symptoms with a doctor
• Families can help by talking openly about driving safety and alternative transport options
• Drivers of any age should stop at the scene after a collision, help the injured and report the crash to police
• Know the local emergency number before you travel — our emergency numbers directory covers every country

Frequently asked questions

Why was Teruya Sakai's psychiatric detention extended?

Prosecutors announced on 13 October 2026 that the detention, which assesses criminal responsibility, was extended until 21 December. They did not disclose the reason for the extension.

What happened in the original Nagoya crash?

At about 5:35pm on 29 May, a microbus struck a man and a woman walking on a crosswalk at an intersection in Minami Ward, Nagoya. Both pedestrians died.

What have investigators said about the driver's account?

Investigators say Sakai's statements about the circumstances before and after the crash partly differ from objective evidence, including dashcam footage. They also say there may have been a change in his physical condition in the days before the crash.

How long will the psychiatric detention last?

It began in June, was originally due to end on 13 October, and has now been extended until 21 December 2026.