A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision involving over 50 vehicles occurred on Japan’s Kan-etsu Expressway in Gunma Prefecture during severe snowfall, resulting in at least two fatalities and 26 injuries. The massive pileup unfolded Friday evening, trapping motorists in a chaotic scene that spanned approximately 300 meters.

Authorities report that icy road conditions, exacerbated by heavy snow, caused vehicles to lose control and trigger a devastating chain reaction. The incident began when a truck collided with another stopped truck following a prior single-vehicle accident. This initial impact quickly escalated, engulfing dozens of cars and trucks.

Tragically, a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo was among the deceased. Another victim was found in the driver’s seat of a large truck. Of the 26 injured individuals, five are in serious condition, while the remaining 21 sustained minor injuries.

Firefighters battled for over seven hours to extinguish fires that engulfed at least 10 vehicles. The expressway section remained closed for investigation and to clear extensive wreckage, with some vehicles completely destroyed. Many drivers reported treacherous driving conditions, with one truck driver describing his struggle to maintain control on the ice-covered road and hearing multiple explosions during the crash. Authorities had issued a heavy snow warning at the time, coinciding with the busy holiday travel period.