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Fatal multi-vehicle crash on Kan-etsu Expressway
A massive collision involving at least 50 vehicles on a central Japanese highway has resulted in two fatalities and 26 injuries, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred amid heavy snow warnings, with icy road conditions suspected as the primary cause.
Collision triggers fiery chain reaction
The crash began when two trucks collided on the Kan-etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. The impact set off a chain reaction, igniting at least 10 vehicles and trapping motorists in the blaze.
Local police reported that a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo was killed, while a second victim was found in the driver's seat of a burnt-out truck. Five individuals sustained serious injuries, and 21 others suffered minor wounds.
Emergency response and road closure
Firefighters battled the flames for over seven hours before extinguishing the blaze, which left many vehicles charred beyond recognition. A section of the expressway was immediately closed, stranding dozens of cars in the outbound lane. Cleanup crews are now working to remove the wreckage.
Nexco, the highway operator, stated that structural damage to the road surface is being assessed. Travelers have been advised to avoid the route until further notice.
Survivor recounts terrifying ordeal
A man in his 60s, whose vehicle was caught in the pile-up, described the chaos to NHK. He reported hearing a loud explosion from the far end of the crash site before flames engulfed nearby cars. The fire rapidly spread, forcing him and about 50 others to evacuate to a nearby toll gate, where they spent the night in a hallway.
Weather conditions under scrutiny
Police believe icy road surfaces contributed to the initial collision, as a heavy snow warning was in effect at the time. The crash occurred at approximately 19:30 local time (10:30 GMT) on December 26.
