Russian consul in Japan dies in cliff fall

A Russian consul-general in Japan 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. Vladimir Pushkov, 55, who was stationed at a consulate general in Niigata prefecture, was on a camping trip with 13 colleagues and their families, an official at Agano police station in Niigata told AFP. "He fell down a cliff and hit his head hard when he was chasing after a ball" on Saturday, the official said. Vice consul Roman Kolesnik, 41, tried to rescue Pushkov but was hospitalised after he also fell down the precipice and injured his back, the official said, adding there was no threat to his life. Russian embassy and consulate officials could not immediately be reached for comment.