A devastating chain-reaction crash involving approximately 60 vehicles erupted on the snow-covered Kan-etsu Expressway near Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, on the night of Dec. 26. The accident, which occurred at around 7:30 p.m. local time, resulted in a massive fire that consumed numerous vehicles, leaving at least two people dead and 26 others injured.
Several of the injured victims are reported to be in critical condition. The crash caused widespread disruption, with a significant stretch of the expressway closed off and traffic paralyzed.
Authorities reported that the initial collision occurred between two trucks, which stopped on the shoulder. However, due to extreme icy road conditions and poor visibility caused by heavy snowfall, subsequent vehicles—comprising large trucks, trailers, and passenger cars—lost control and collided.
Videos posted on the social media platform X captured the harrowing scene, showing flames rapidly spreading after a car transporter caught fire. The blaze engulfed at least 16 vehicles, with towering flames and multiple explosions witnessed. A witness described the horrifying moment, saying they were en route to a ski vacation when they encountered a scene of chaos, with thick smoke and wrecked vehicles strewn across the icy highway.
Japan's Meteorological Agency had issued a heavy snow warning for Minakami Town prior to the accident. Police believe that strong winds and sub-zero temperatures caused the road surface to freeze rapidly, creating "black ice"—a nearly invisible hazard that makes vehicles lose traction during lane changes or braking. Investigators are working to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the crash.
(Video source: X)
Related News:
Japan's top Crowdsourcing site exposed for hiring creators to make 'anti-China' videos
Japan proposes pre-travel screening system for foreign visitors with processing fee
Comment