A devastating pileup involving over 50 vehicles occurred on the Kan-etsu Expressway in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, amidst heavy snowfall, leading to two confirmed deaths and 26 injuries. The incident took place on Friday evening, transforming a busy holiday travel route into a scene of widespread destruction.
Officials attributed the severe crash to icy road surfaces caused by intense snowfall. The situation escalated rapidly when a truck collided with a stationary truck, initiating a devastating chain reaction that involved dozens of vehicles over a 300-meter stretch.
The victims included a 77-year-old woman and a truck driver. Of the 26 people injured, five are reported to be in serious condition, while 21 have sustained minor injuries. The intensity of the crash caused at least 10 vehicles to catch fire, necessitating a prolonged firefighting effort.
The expressway was shut down in the affected section as emergency crews worked to clear the extensive debris and damaged vehicles, some of which were completely incinerated. Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the event, with drivers struggling to maintain control on the slippery roads and hearing the sounds of multiple impacts. The accident occurred despite advisories for motorists to limit their speed due to the hazardous winter weather conditions. Authorities were investigating the cause and clearing the wreckage.