Tragic 50-vehicle pile-up on Japan’s Kan-etsu Expressway leaves 2 dead, 26 injured; crash blamed on icy roads and heavy snow. Investigation ongoing.

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50-Vehicle Pile-Up on Japan Highway Leaves 2 Dead and 26 Injured

A tragic accident involving at least 50 vehicles occurred on a central Japan expressway, resulting in two fatalities and 26 injuries, according to local authorities. The massive pile-up happened on the Kan-etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma prefecture, located about 160km (100 miles) north-west of Tokyo.

Details of the Crash

Police reports state that the pile-up was triggered by a collision between two trucks. The initial impact caused a chain reaction, with at least 10 vehicles catching fire. The extreme conditions made rescue and response efforts more difficult.

• A 77-year-old woman from Tokyo was among the deceased.
• The second body was found in the driver’s seat of a burnt-out truck.
• Five people suffered serious injuries while 21 others had minor injuries.

Weather Conditions as a Factor

Heavy snow warnings were active during the crash. Icy road surfaces are believed to have caused vehicles—particularly large trucks—to lose control and skid, leading to the devastating multi-vehicle collision.
For more information about winter road safety, refer to this comprehensive winter driving guide from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Aftermath and Emergency Response

The accident occurred around 19:30 local time (10:30 GMT) on December 26. Firefighters battled the resulting blaze for around seven and a half hours. Authorities closed off a section of the Kan-etsu Expressway, leading to a long queue of vehicles—many severely damaged by fire—trapped in the outbound lane.

Efforts are underway to tow away the wreckage and assess the highway for possible structural damage caused by the intense fire. Nexco, the road operating company, has cautioned travelers to avoid the expressway until further notice.

Eyewitness Testimony

A man in his 60s involved in the crash shared his harrowing experience with Japan’s public broadcaster NHK: he heard a loud explosion from the far end of the incident and saw flames quickly spreading through the vehicles. He, along with about 50 others, spent the night in the safety of a nearby toll gate hallway after being evacuated from the dangerous scene.

Safety Recommendations and Next Steps

Nexco and local authorities are conducting checks to determine if the road surface was compromised by the intense fire. They have issued stern warnings for motorists to avoid travel on the affected highway and remain alert to ongoing winter hazards.

Learn more about winter driving precautions and how to prepare for hazardous road conditions in our guide on Winter Driving Safety Tips.

For additional updates and authoritative coverage, read the original report on the BBC News website.