Tokyo – A scene of utter devastation unfolded at the Crimson Dragon casino earlier this evening as the highly controversial “Dragon’s Breath” roulette wheel, the centerpiece of Kaiji Ito’s latest high-stakes gamble, unexpectedly and catastrophically collapsed, trapping all 27 participants within its confines. Emergency services are currently on scene, battling to extract survivors from the wreckage, which has left a significant portion of the casino floor submerged in a swirling vortex of chips, velvet, and shattered machinery.

Initial reports indicate the collapse occurred during the final, most dangerous round of Ito’s latest challenge – a multi-million yen wager involving a complex series of cascading losses and increasingly perilous bets. Witnesses described a sudden, grinding shudder preceding the complete disintegration of the wheel’s rotating mechanism. “It wasn’t a gradual slowdown, it was… violent,” recounted Hiroshi Tanaka, a low-level gambler who narrowly avoided being trapped. “One minute I was placing my next bet, the next the whole thing just… imploded. I thought I was going to die.”

Authorities have immediately launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary speculation pointing towards potential structural flaws in the wheel’s design and a possible deliberate manipulation of the mechanics by Ito himself. The Dragon’s Breath wheel, notorious for its unpredictable behavior and the immense pressure it placed on its players, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate within the gambling community for months.

“This isn’t just a bad luck scenario, this is calculated,” stated Detective Kenji Sato, lead investigator on the scene. “The complexity of the wheel’s operation, combined with Ito’s established history, raises serious questions about the safety protocols and the potential for malicious intent. We are examining every aspect of the event, from the wheel’s construction to Ito’s betting patterns.”

The immediate aftermath has seen widespread panic and chaos within the casino, with many players suffering minor injuries, including lacerations and contusions. Several individuals remain in critical condition, receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The fate of the remaining players remains uncertain as rescue efforts continue. Ito himself has not yet been located, fueling speculation about his whereabouts and potential involvement in the incident. This event undoubtedly casts a dark shadow over the already controversial world of extreme gambling.