A devastating multi-vehicle collision on a major Japanese expressway has cast a shadow over the year-end holidays, resulting in one fatality and injuring 26 people. The massive pileup, involving more than 50 vehicles, occurred on the Kan-etsu Expressway amid heavy snowfall.
Chaos on a Snowy Highway
The tragic sequence of events unfolded on the evening of 26 December 2025 in the town of Minakami. According to the Gunma prefectural highway police, the incident began with a collision between two trucks. This initial crash created a blockage on the expressway, which is located roughly 160 kilometres northwest of Tokyo.
The hazardous weather played a critical role in the escalating disaster. With snow covering the road surface, drivers approaching the scene found it impossible to brake effectively. This led to a chain reaction, with vehicle after vehicle crashing into the growing pileup. Authorities confirmed that over 50 cars, trucks, and other vehicles were ultimately involved in the catastrophic scene.
Fire Erupts Amid the Wreckage
The situation grew even more dire when a fierce blaze erupted at the far end of the collision site. The fire quickly spread, engulfing more than a dozen of the already damaged vehicles. Reports indicate that some cars were completely reduced to ashes by the intense flames.
Miraculously, no one sustained injuries from the fire itself. However, emergency crews faced a tremendous challenge, taking approximately seven hours to fully extinguish the massive fire. The combined efforts of police, firefighters, and medical personnel were stretched to the limit at the remote location.
Victims and Ongoing Aftermath
The lone fatality was identified as a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo. Among the 26 injured individuals, five were reported to be in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the crashes. The accident happened as many Japanese citizens were beginning their traditional year-end and New Year holiday travels, despite active heavy snow warnings.
In the aftermath, sections of the vital Kan-etsu Expressway were closed to facilitate a thorough police investigation, allow authorities to regain control of the situation, and begin the slow process of clearing the extensive wreckage. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the extreme dangers posed by winter driving conditions, even on major highways.
