Burnt vehicles are seen after a massive crash in snowy weather on an expressway, in Minakami, northwest of Tokyo, early Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)
A large crash on a snow-covered expressway in Japan has left one person dead and 26 injured as the country begins its end-of-year holiday travel period, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
Police in Gunma prefecture said the pile-up happened late on Friday on the Kan-etsu Expressway in the town of Minakami, about 160km north-west of Tokyo. Officers said the accident began when two lorries collided.
A 77-year-old woman from Tokyo died, police said. Of the 26 people who were injured, five are in serious condition
Burnt vehicles are seen after a massive crash in snowy weather on an expressway, in Minakami, northwest of Tokyo, early Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)
Police said the blocked lanes meant cars coming from behind were unable to stop on the snowy road. More than 50 vehicles were involved in the crash.
A fire broke out at the far end of the pile-up and spread to over a dozen vehicles, some of which were completely burned. No one was injured in the fire, which was put out about seven hours later, according to police.
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A warning for heavy snow had been issued on Friday evening, when many people were starting their New Year holidays, AP said.
Parts of the expressway remain closed while police investigate and crews remove wreckage and clean the road.
