A Russian consul-general in Japan, Vladimir Pushkov, died after falling down a 30-metre (98-foot) cliff during a ball game at a campsite in the northwest of the country, according to police.

      The tragedy took place in the city of Agano, Niigata prefecture. Vladimir Pushkov, 55, was on a camping trip with 13 colleagues and their families.

      During the volleyball game Vladimir Pushkov tried to catch the passing ball but slipped on the wet grass and fell from a steep grade. He died from the hard head injuries. Information of the consul's perish was confirmed by the Russian embassy in Japan.

      Vice consul Roman Kolesnik, 41, tried to rescue Pushkov but was hospitalized after he also fell down the precipice and injured his back. According ot the officials, there is no threat to his life currently.

      Vladimir Pushkov was a professional orientalist and Japan expert. Earlier he headed the consular department of the Russian embassy in Japan, also worked as a Russian counsellor in Singapore.

      

      Sources: newsru.com RNW Image: deita.ru