Japan Massive Highway Crash Kills Two, Injures 26 as Holiday Travel Begins

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

TOKYO (Worthy News) – Authorities in Japan continued an investigation Sunday after confirming that at least two people were killed and 26 were injured in a massive multi-vehicle crash on a snow-covered expressway, as millions began traveling for the year-end and New Year holidays.

Police said the pileup involved 67 vehicles and occurred late Friday on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Gunma Prefecture, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Tokyo.

The prefectural highway police explained that the chain-reaction crash began when two trucks collided near the town of Minakami, blocking lanes of the expressway.

Vehicles approaching from behind were unable to stop on the icy, snow-covered surface, triggering the massive pileup, according to witnesses and officials.

A witness told Japanese media that visibility was poor on a curve and vehicles “kept crashing” as drivers struggled to brake on the ice. Another driver recalled that road conditions “made steering difficult” and caused panic among motorists.

FIRE SPREADING AT CRASH SITE

Authorities said a fire broke out at the rear of the crash site, spreading to about 20 vehicles, several of which were completely burned. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed a massive fire impacting numerous cars.

Firefighters battled the blaze for roughly seven hours before extinguishing it, police added.

Yet they were unable to save everyone: Police confirmed that a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo died in a passenger car, while a second victim was later recovered from the charred remains of a truck. Of the 26 people injured, five remained in serious condition, officials said.

A heavy snow warning was in effect at the time of the crash, coinciding with the start of Japan’s peak holiday travel season. Police urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, reduce speed, and use snow tires and chains where required.

As of Sunday, sections of the Kan-Etsu Expressway remained closed for forensic investigation, removal of wreckage, and road surface treatment.

Authorities said reopening would depend on weather conditions and the completion of safety inspections.

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