Terrible news: The three members of the Japanese action comic punk band Peelander-Z have suffered critical injuries after a semi-truck rear-ended their tour van in Albuquerque last Monday (May 18). They're currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit for broken bones, fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, and other serious traumas.
Kengo Hioki — who goes by Yellow, as the members use color-themed pseudonyms — is reportedly unresponsive, but a band spokesperson shared that doctors have taken him 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 told the publication that "he is improving every day and is alert and able to communicate."
Meanwhile Pink — born Yumiko Kanazaki — 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 will also require rehabilitation after discharge.
The rest of their tour is canceled and a GoFundMe is — at the time of writing this — almost at its goal for raising money to cover medical expenses for Yellow, Pink, and Tiger. Raffenaud wrote on Instagram, "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 already put together a benefit show at the InsideOut slated for tomorrow (May 29) with performances from Night Child, Weedrat, Dazeyrot, Rebilt, 27 Devils Joking, and more.
