Media365
A massive crash on Japan’s Kan-etsu Expressway killed one person and injured 26 as the country began its end-of-year holiday season, officials said.The Gunma Prefectural Highway Police said the pileup began late Friday in Minakami, about 160 km northwest of Tokyo. It started when two trucks collided on the snow-covered road, triggering a chain reaction involving more than 50 vehicles, police added.A 77-year-old woman from Tokyo died in the crash. Of the 26 injured, five were reported in serious condition.Videos shared on social media showed fire erupting at the far end of the pileup, spreading to more than a dozen vehicles. Firefighters extinguished the fire after about seven hours.A warning about heavy snow was issued late Friday as many Japanese began their year-end and New Year holidays.Authorities said that the heavy snow had resulted in the accident. Parts of the expressway remained closed for investigation and clearing of the wreckage.Several netizens expressed shock at the deadly pileup on Japan’s Kan-etsu Expressway, highlighting that the country has reputation for having some of the safest roads in the world.“Japan has some of the safest roads globally, but extreme weather doesn’t discriminate. Condolences to all affected ,” one wrote. “Tragic and terrifying. Severe weather can turn highways into disaster zones in seconds, and this shows how quickly conditions can spiral out of control. Thoughts with the victims and everyone affected — a stark reminder of how dangerous winter driving can be, even in well-prepared countries,” other wrote.
