A massive multi-vehicle pile-up on a highway in central Japan has left two people dead and dozens injured, with icy road conditions identified as the primary cause. The incident, which involved between 50 and 67 vehicles, occurred on the evening of December 26, 2025, on the Kan-etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Tokyo.
The collision chain began when a truck skidded on the icy surface and crashed into another truck that had stopped after a prior accident. This initial impact triggered a series of rear-end collisions that stretched over about 300 meters. Within minutes, fires broke out, engulfing at least 10 to 20 vehicles and creating a hazardous blaze that took emergency crews over seven hours to fully extinguish.
Casualties from the crash included two fatalities: a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo, who was a passenger in one of the cars, and another individual found in the driver’s seat of a burnt-out truck. In addition, 26 people were injured, with five reported in serious condition and 21 sustaining minor injuries. All victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Heavy snowfall and a snow warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency contributed to the treacherous driving conditions. Police confirmed that the road surface was icy at the time of the accident, and speed limits had been reduced to 50 kilometers per hour due to the weather. Witnesses described hearing loud explosions as vehicles caught fire and struggled to maintain control on the slippery pavement.
The aftermath saw a significant portion of the expressway’s outbound lane closed indefinitely, with a long line of vehicles—many charred beyond recognition—blocking the route. Cleanup operations are underway to tow away the damaged cars and trucks, but authorities have warned that the closure may persist through Saturday, disrupting travel during the year-end holiday period.
Emergency response efforts involved multiple fire departments and police units working through the night. Approximately 50 people were evacuated to a nearby toll gate, where they spent the night in makeshift accommodations. The expressway operator, Nexco, has advised travelers to avoid the area and is assessing potential damage to the road surface from the intense heat of the fires.
This pile-up highlights the ongoing challenges of winter road safety in Japan, where sudden snowstorms can create hazardous conditions on major highways. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures, such as improved road maintenance and driver awareness campaigns during adverse weather.
Looking ahead, authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash to determine any contributing factors beyond the weather. The incident may lead to reviews of emergency response protocols and highway design in snow-prone regions, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.
