A popular Japanese punk band has been involved in a "horrific traffic accident" that left all three members seriously injured.
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Peelander-Z had been scheduled to perform in San Francisco when an 18-wheeler crashed into the band's tour van on May 18.
The group's members now remain hospitalized with what have been described as traumatic injuries.
Punk Band Crash Leaves Members Hospitalized in Intensive Care
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Peelander-Z had only just begun the second day of its national tour when the devastating accident occurred.
The band was traveling from New Mexico to San Francisco. They were driving westbound on Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque when the truck collided with the van.
Reports state that all three band members are currently being treated in intensive care units for multiple injuries. Including broken bones, fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, and "other serious trauma."
KOB 4 reported that one band member, Kengo, known professionally as Yellow, remains unresponsive.
However, the band's spokesperson reportedly confirmed that doctors recently removed him from a ventilator.
"With the reports from the hospitals and from the doctors and the staff, things look very promising. It was just, it was really bad," booking agent Brad Raffenaud said. "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."
Benefit Concert Planned as Fans Rally Behind Peelander-Z
The band's representatives say doctors continue monitoring the musicians closely as they undergo surgeries and additional medical testing.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the group's medical expenses has already raised more than $150,000 toward a $170,000 target.
"I mean, it's just an eye-opener. A lot of people don't consider what touring in a band is like and how scary and like risky it can be," bassist and vocalist Joel Sheets of support band Dazeyrot said.
Local artists are now organizing a benefit concert scheduled for Friday, May 29, at InsideOut on Central Ave.
The event aims to raise additional money to support the band's recovery.
"The band said the tour van and some equipment and personal items are a total loss," KOB 4's Trevor Thompson wrote.
Following the crash, Peelander-Z canceled all upcoming tour dates.
While the band currently lives in Austin, KOB 4 reported that relatives in Japan have now been informed about the accident.
