Breaking: 67-vehicle pileup on snowy Kan-etsu Expressway leaves two dead, 26 injured
Tokyo – A massive, snow‑bound crash involving 67 vehicles has claimed two lives and left 26 people hurt as Japan entered its year‑end holiday season.
Gunma Prefectural Police said the Kan-etsu Expressway incident began with a collision between two trucks in Minakami, roughly 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Tokyo.
The initial crash blocked sections of the highway, and vehicles behind were unable to brake on the slick surface, triggering a chain reaction that clogged the roadway.
In the final phase,a fire erupted and spread to about 20 vehicles. Authorities said the flames were brought under control after about seven hours.
A 77-year-old woman from Tokyo died in a passenger car, and investigators later recovered a charred body from the driver’s seat of a burning truck. Of the 26 injured, five remain in grave condition.
A heavy snow warning took effect Friday night as many people began their New Year’s travel,complicating road conditions across the region.
Parts of the Kan-etsu Expressway remained closed for police investigations, debris removal, and clearing efforts.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | Friday night (confirmed Saturday by authorities) |
| Location | Kan-etsu Expressway, Minakami, Gunma Prefecture; about 160 km NW of tokyo |
| Vehicles involved | 67 vehicles; began with a two-truck collision |
| Casualties | 2 dead; 26 injured (5 in grave condition) |
| Fire | Engulfed around 20 vehicles; extinguished after ~7 hours |
| Highway status | Sections closed for inquiry and clearance |
Why this matters for winter travel
This catastrophe underscores the hazards of winter driving. snow and ice drastically reduce braking performance and vehicle control,turning routine trips into life‑threatening events on busy expressways. As holiday travel peaks, authorities typically step up monitoring and provide travel advisories to help motorists plan safer routes.
For travelers, the incident is a reminder to check weather forecasts, allow extra time, and adjust speed and following distance to prevailing conditions. Proper winter tires or chains and a prepared vehicle kit can also make a difference on treacherous roads.
Readers, what measures should be adopted to reduce such crashes during heavy snowfall? How have you navigated icy roads safely?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
