Two Killed After Massive 50-Vehicle Pile-Up on Japan Highway

By: The Trek News Desk

A major traffic accident on a key highway in central Japan has claimed at least two lives and left 26 people injured, according to local authorities. The incident involved nearly 50 vehicles and triggered multiple fires, turning the expressway into a scene of chaos and destruction.

Police said the accident began after two trucks collided on the highway, setting off a chain reaction as dozens of vehicles crashed into one another. At least 10 vehicles caught fire during the pile-up. One of the victims was a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo, while another body was found in the driver’s seat of a completely burned truck.

Authorities reported that five of the injured are in serious condition, while 21 others sustained minor injuries. At the time of the crash, a heavy snow alert had been issued for the area. Investigators believe icy road conditions caused the trucks to skid, leading to the large-scale collision.

The crash occurred around 7:30 pm local time on December 26 on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, approximately 160 kilometres northwest of Tokyo. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly seven and a half hours before bringing it under control.

Following the accident, a large stretch of the expressway was shut down. Numerous vehicles, many badly burned, remain stranded in the outbound lane as recovery and towing operations continue.

A man involved in the accident told local media that he heard a loud explosion during the collision and saw flames spreading rapidly from one vehicle to another. He and around 50 others were evacuated to a nearby toll gate, where they spent the night.

Road operator Nexco said inspections are underway to assess whether the intense fire damaged the highway surface. The company has advised motorists to avoid using the route until further notice.

Source: News Agencies