A South Korean man drowned early Thursday after 60 people jumped into a river celebrating the New Year in Osaka, police said.

More than 6,000 people gathered around the Dotonbori area in downtown Osaka to celebrate the New Year. Shortly after the midnight, about 60 men and women jumped into the Dotonbori river off a bridge.

Most of the jumpers climbed onto the shore soon by themselves, but the young man was rescued and died hours later in hospital. According to the police, the 18-year-old man had a South Korean passport.

In Osaka, fans of the Hanshin Tigers often celebrate the baseball team's victory by jumping into the Dotonbori river. In 2003, when the team won its first champion in 18 years, about 5, 300 fans jumped into the river and one died.