A chilling scene unfolded on a Japanese expressway late Friday, as a monstrous chain-reaction crash involving 67 vehicles claimed two lives and left 26 injured. The disaster struck as the nation began its traditional year-end holiday travel, transforming a festive season into one of tragedy and shock.
The initial collision, occurring near the town of Minakami – roughly 100 miles northwest of Tokyo – involved two trucks. This single impact quickly escalated into a catastrophic pileup, effectively blocking lanes and creating a treacherous, icy obstacle for approaching traffic.
Drivers found themselves trapped, unable to stop on the slick, snow-covered road. Cars slammed into cars, trucks into cars, creating a horrifying cascade of metal and shattered glass. The sheer scale of the accident quickly overwhelmed emergency responders.
Adding to the devastation, a fierce fire erupted at the rear of the massive wreck, rapidly engulfing 20 vehicles. Flames leaped and crackled, consuming cars and sending plumes of black smoke into the winter sky. It took seven grueling hours to finally extinguish the blaze.
Tragically, a 77-year-old woman traveling from Tokyo perished inside her passenger car. Later, the charred remains of a driver were discovered within the wreckage of a completely destroyed truck. The identities of the victims are currently being withheld as authorities notify families.
Of those injured, five remain in serious condition, battling for their lives in nearby hospitals. The accident occurred while a heavy snow warning was in effect, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by travelers.
The affected section of the Kan-etsu Expressway remains closed as investigators meticulously document the scene, and crews work to clear the immense wreckage. The investigation will focus on determining the exact cause of the initial collision and assessing contributing factors like road conditions and driver behavior.
