A devastating chain-reaction crash involving more than 50 vehicles happened when a vehicles transporting truck collided with another vehicle causing a massive fire on Japan’s Kan-Etsu Expressway.
However, some reports quoting Gunma Prefectural Highway Police said today that the chain-reaction collision began with a collision between two trucks in Minakami Township, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Tokyo.
Several vehicles were completely burned, and parts of the highway remained closed for hours as emergency teams worked to control the fire and clear the debris.
Reports said it took firemen more than 7 hour to bring the ‘towering inferno’ under control.
Police indicated that a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo had died, and among the 26 injured, five were reported to be in critical condition.
The collision closed sections of the highway, and vehicles approaching from behind were unable to brake on the icy surface. Police said the chain reaction involved more than 50 vehicles.
A fire broke out at the far end of the accident site and spread to more than ten vehicles, some of which were completely destroyed. Police said no one was injured in the fire, which was extinguished after about seven hours.
Parts of the highway remained closed for police investigations and debris removal and cleanup.
