Massive highway crash in Japan: truck collision damages 50 cars, kills 1; video shows fire and chaos – The Times of India

A massive crash on Japan’s Kan-etsu Expressway killed one person and injured 26 as the country began its New Year’s holiday, officials said.Gunma Prefecture 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 was killed in the crash. Of the 26 injured, five are said to be in serious condition.Videos shared on social media showed the fire breaking out at the end of the pileup and spreading to more than a dozen vehicles. The fire brigade extinguished the fire after about seven hours.A warning of heavy snowfall was issued late on Friday as many Japanese began their New Year’s Eve holidays.Authorities said heavy snow led to the accident. Parts of the highway remained closed for investigation and clearing of the wreckage.Several netizens expressed shock over the deadly collision on Japan’s Kan-etsu Expressway, highlighting that the country has a reputation for having some of the safest roads in the world.“Japan has some of the safest roads in the world, but extreme weather does not discriminate. Condolences to all those affected,” one person wrote. “Tragic and terrifying. Severe weather can turn highways into disaster zones in seconds, showing how quickly conditions can spiral out of control. Thoughts with the victims and all those affected – a stark reminder of how dangerous winter driving can be, even in well-prepared countries,” others wrote.