Following a rise in bear attacks in Japan, many people have started carrying bear spray for protection, and authorities have installed cameras in northern mountainous areas to monitor bears. However, a safety measure went awry on Wednesday when bear spray was accidentally discharged inside a post office in Nagoya, injuring five people.
The incident occurred at a post office located about 300 metres from Kanayama station in a busy residential area. Eight people reported feeling sick, and five were hospitalized, though fire department official Ryohei Asano confirmed there were no serious injuries or illnesses.
Vietnamese national Huynh Nhat Duy, 22, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of obstruction of business related to the incident. He apologized and told police that the repellent was discharged unintentionally.
Bear sprays contain capsaicin, the active chemical in chili peppers, which causes irritation and a burning sensation upon skin contact. A witness expressed concern, telling Kyodo, “It’s scary that it happened in a place like this,” as they saw a woman taken away in an ambulance.
This event highlights the potential risks associated with increased use of bear spray amid growing safety concerns in Japan.
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