Peelander-Z Members Seriously Injured in Tour Van Accident, Benefit Show Announced
The members of the Japanese action comic punk band Peelander-Z were critically injured after their tour van was rear-ended in Albuquerque. A GoFundMe has been set up to support their recovery, and a benefit show is planned.
Tragedy struck when the three members of the Japanese action comic punk band Peelander-Z suffered critical injuries after a semi-truck rear-ended their tour van in Albuquerque last Monday (May 18). They are currently in intensive care, receiving treatment for broken bones, fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, and other serious traumas.
Kengo Hioki—who goes by Yellow—is reportedly unresponsive, but has been taken off a ventilator. "With the reports from the hospitals and from the doctors and the staff, things look very promising. It just was just, it was really bad," booking agent Brad Raffenaud told KOB4 TV. "Just lucky that they’re all three alive. I mean, if you were to drive past an accident like that, you wouldn’t imagine that anyone would survive that."
According to Billboard, Yellow has "multiple fractures to his spine, ribs and arm and evidence of traumatic brain injury, which is being closely monitored." While the injuries are no longer considered life-threatening, he will require additional surgeries, "significant rehabilitation," and will have to wear a cervical collar for several months. Raffenaud stated that "he is improving every day and is alert and able to communicate."
Yumiko Kanazaki, known as Pink, reportedly suffered several bone fractures in her legs and pelvis, in addition to abdominal trauma and organ injuries. Raffenaud said she is "eating and drinking normally, and able to communicate."
Tiger reportedly "suffered a head injury and is being monitored for traumatic brain injury but has show significant progress and is expected to be discharged soon." Both Pink and Tiger will also require rehabilitation after discharge.
The band's tour is canceled. A GoFundMe has almost reached its goal to cover medical expenses. Raffenaud shared on Instagram:
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"Friends. Please keep Peelander-Z in your thoughts. The band had a terrible accident yesterday in New Mexico while on tour. The van was rear ended by a semi truck and all members are currently hospitalized with major injuries and being closely monitored."
Local Albuquerque bands have organized a benefit show at the InsideOut, featuring Night Child, Weedrat, Dazeyrot, Rebilt, 27 Devils Joking, and more.
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