Tokyo 2020 construction worker dies, heatstroke suspected

(FILES) This file photo taken on March 8, 2019 shows workers walking toward the Tokyo 2020 Olympics gymnastic and Paralympics boccia venue construction site in Tokyo. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP) / TO GO WITH Oly-2020-Jpn-Japan-Construction-Rights” by Miwa SUZUKI

A worker at a Tokyo 2020 Olympics construction site has collapsed and died, organizers said, reportedly of heatstroke as the Japanese capital swelters through a blistering heatwave.

The 50-year-old man was found lying on the ground under a scorching sun on Thursday afternoon at the site where he had been laying electric cables.

He was rushed to hospital but later confirmed dead, according to Tokyo 2020 organizers on Friday.

Organizers said the cause of death has not been officially established but several local media cited police as saying they suspect heatstroke. Police were unable to confirm the reports immediately.

The death is the third related to Tokyo Olympics construction works after one suicide from overwork stress and another killed in an accident.

Tokyo’s hot and humid summer weather is a major concern for Olympic organizers, particularly after a heatwave that engulfed the city last year.

After a long rainy season this year, the Japanese capital has again been hit by a deadly heatwave. Last week more than 18,000 people had been hospitalized nationwide due to the weather with 57 dying.

Organizers have come up with a variety of cooling methods ranging from misting sprays and fans, to potted flower fences that organizers say help “psychologically” cool those around.

They have also moved up the starting times for some sports, including the marathon, over fears for athletes’ wellbeing.