MetroNews 8/31/2120; News You May Have Missed

    On Friday night, a high speed shootout on the Taihuku to Gotanda section of the Super Highway caused mass chaos resulting in the deaths of several bikers, presumed to be part of a motorcycle club, and dozens of unrelated drivers being injured from debris and wrecks of vehicles. The section of the Super Highway was closed for several hours, before being reopened late Saturday morning.

    Witnesses driving nearby during the fight described a horrific scene. Jane Goodwill, a mother driving on the Super Highway during the time of the shootout, describes it. “Three motorcycles came up from behind, diving in and between vehicles. They opened fire on a group of motorcycles and two trucks. One of the motorcycles exploded and I had to swerve out of the way. The two trucks lost control and one of them smashed over the barrier. I was shocked. It was like a scene out of a movie.”

    The debris and the out of control vehicles would cause a mass accident as an automated semi-truck was hit by a one flipping motorcycle, causing it to spin out over four lanes and collide into several other vehicles. Other debris would go through windshields, puncture tires, and rip through vehicles causing minor accidents further back. Seven bikers are reported to have been killed. Thankfully, no one related to the shooting itself was killed, although one man sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby Aetherstone hospital.

    The ASF haven’t issued an official statement and have declined to comment. Anonymous sources within the ASF however have stated that it may be related to the recent gang war that rocked Taihuku last week but added that there is no hard evidence linking them. Makashi Soroto, a JEPA offical, was asked for a comment. “The Metropolis-1 Super Highway is essential for the free and quick movement of commerce and trade within the Japanese Federation. This is not a common occurrence and does not represent a danger for motorists to be worried about.”

    The section is expected to undergo road repairs for the next week and will most certainly impact traffic flow during the busy morning and evening rush hour.




    Vladimir Darmov, a Eurasian born Helios executive, was found dead Sunday afternoon after having promoted a conspiracy a week ago that JEPA and members of the Japanese Government called “unfounded” and “based on frequent late night drug binges.”

    Vladmir gained overnight notority for having claimed that members of the Japanese Federation and JEPA were using connections through Helios and himself to engage in secret diplomatic talks with the Eurasian Government to negotiate a separate peace from the conflict with Eurasia. The claim proved popular among the lower and middle class population who have seen much of the hardship for providing for the economic needs of the war burdened on them. He resigned from his position at Helios only a day later. According to those close to him he was, “Sent into hiding out of fear of his own life.”

    Sunday afternoon, a local fisherman spotted a floating body on the Sumida River which turned out to be Vladmir Darmov. A swift investigation was done and a statement was released. “Mr. Darmov was found to have a deadly mix of alcohol and drugs in his system which caused his heart to fail. We are still looking to see why he was in the Sumida River,” said Detective Takami Aro. She refused to comment on whether or not it was related to his claim and denied that Helios, JEPA, and the Japanese Government were linked to his death. “It’s clear that he died of excessive drug and alcohol use. Anyone saying otherwise is trying to misconstrue the facts and evidence.”

    Members of JEPA and the Japanese Government have declined to issue official statements of Vladmir Darmov’s death. Outspoken voices and Net activity show that a sizable portion of the general public believe Darmov was potentially killed as a cover up. Sources who knew Darmov have stated however that he enjoyed visiting nightclubs and engaged in frequent partying; Often taking a drugs to the point where he would black out, they collaborate the ASF's official cause of death for Darmov. 

    It’s unlikely that Darmov’s death will be proven anything more than purely coincidental and accidental. Detectives are still investigating aspects of his case.

---