More Than 50 Vehicles Collide in Japan Pileup, Leaving 1 Dead and 26 Injured

A massive chain-reaction crash involving more than 50 vehicles occurred on a major roadway in Japan, leaving one person dead and at least 26 others injured. Authorities said the pileup unfolded rapidly, with multiple cars and trucks colliding over a stretch of highway. Emergency crews responded quickly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals as officials worked to clear the scene and investigate the cause.

A massive chain-reaction crash on a snow-covered expressway in Japan killed one person and injured 26 others late Friday, as the country began its busy year-end holiday travel period.

Police said the pileup occurred on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Gunma prefecture, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Tokyo. The crash began when two trucks collided in the town of Minakami, blocking parts of the roadway.

A 77-year-old woman from Tokyo was killed, authorities said. Of the 26 people injured, five were reported to be in serious condition.

After the initial truck collision, vehicles approaching from behind were unable to stop on the icy, snow-covered surface, triggering a massive pileup involving more than 50 cars and trucks, according to prefectural highway police.

At the far end of the wreckage, a fire broke out and spread to more than a dozen vehicles, some of which were completely destroyed. No injuries were reported from the fire, which firefighters extinguished after about seven hours.

The crash occurred as heavy snow warnings were in effect across the region, coinciding with the start of Japan’s New Year and year-end holiday travel rush. Sections of the expressway remained closed Saturday as police continued their investigation and crews worked to remove debris and clear the roadway.

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Source: NDTV

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