Japan Snow Crash: 1 Dead, 26 Injured in Highway Pile-Up

By Manisha Sahu
America News World Desk
December 27, 2025

A devastating highway accident on a snow-covered expressway in Japan has claimed one life and left at least 26 people injured, as severe winter weather disrupted travel during the country’s busy year-end holiday period. The massive pile-up involved more than 50 vehicles and occurred on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Gunma prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, according to Japanese police and reports by The Associated Press (AP).

Charred vehicles lie scattered after a major collision on a snow-covered expressway in Minakami, northwest of Tokyo, early Saturday, December 27, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)

The crash took place late Friday night near the town of Minakami, around 160 kilometers from the Japanese capital, when heavy snowfall drastically reduced visibility and made road conditions extremely slippery. Authorities said the accident began when two large lorries collided on the expressway, blocking multiple lanes and triggering a chain reaction involving dozens of cars and trucks unable to stop in time on the icy road.

Police confirmed that a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo lost her life in the accident. Among the 26 injured, five were reported to be in serious condition and were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. Emergency services worked through the night in freezing temperatures to rescue victims trapped in their vehicles and provide first aid at the scene.

Snowy Conditions and Blocked Lanes Led to Chaos

According to police officials in Gunma prefecture, the primary cause of the crash was the combination of heavy snow, poor road traction, and blocked lanes following the initial collision between the two lorries. Once the lanes were obstructed, vehicles approaching from behind were unable to brake effectively, resulting in a large-scale pile-up stretching across a long section of the expressway.

“The road was extremely slippery due to accumulated snow, and visibility was limited,” a police spokesperson said. “Once the first collision occurred, cars coming from behind could not stop in time, leading to a series of crashes.”

Images released by local media and news agencies showed mangled vehicles piled on top of one another, some reduced to twisted metal. Burnt-out cars and trucks were also visible at the far end of the crash site, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Fire Erupts, Vehicles Destroyed

In addition to the collisions, a fire broke out at the rear of the pile-up, further escalating the emergency. Police said the blaze spread to more than a dozen vehicles, several of which were completely destroyed by the flames. Firefighters battled the fire for nearly seven hours before finally bringing it under control in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Despite the intensity of the fire, authorities confirmed that no additional injuries were caused by the blaze itself. Many occupants had already been evacuated from their vehicles by the time the fire spread, a factor officials credited to the swift response of emergency teams.

Holiday Travel Disrupted

The accident occurred at a particularly busy time, as millions of people across Japan were beginning their New Year holidays. Friday evening marked the start of one of the country’s most active travel periods, with families heading to their hometowns and popular winter destinations.

The Japan Meteorological Agency had issued warnings for heavy snow in several regions, including parts of Gunma prefecture, earlier on Friday. Despite these alerts, traffic volumes remained high, increasing the risk of accidents on snow-covered roads.

“This is a tragic reminder of how dangerous winter driving can be, especially during peak travel times,” said a transportation safety expert quoted by local media. “Even experienced drivers can struggle in such conditions, particularly when large vehicles are involved.”

Burned-out vehicles are visible following a large pile-up on a snow-covered expressway in Minakami, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Saturday, December 27, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)

Expressway Closures and Ongoing Investigation

Following the accident, sections of the Kan-Etsu Expressway were closed to traffic to allow police to conduct a detailed investigation and enable crews to remove damaged vehicles and clear debris from the roadway. Authorities said parts of the expressway remain shut as of Saturday, causing significant delays and forcing drivers to seek alternative routes.

Police are continuing to investigate the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash, including whether speed, driver error, or inadequate winter tires may have played a role. Officials are also examining the actions taken after the initial collision to determine if additional safety measures could have prevented the scale of the pile-up.

Winter Road Safety Concerns

Japan is no stranger to heavy snowfall, particularly in mountainous and northern regions. However, large-scale accidents involving dozens of vehicles are relatively rare, making Friday night’s incident particularly alarming.

In recent years, authorities have repeatedly urged drivers to exercise caution during winter weather, use snow tires or chains, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions. The Kan-Etsu Expressway, which connects Tokyo with Niigata prefecture, is a major route frequently used by holiday travelers and freight vehicles, increasing the potential impact of accidents.

Transportation officials reiterated these warnings following the crash, advising motorists to check weather forecasts, monitor road conditions, and consider delaying travel during snowstorms.

A Somber Start to the Holiday Season

As Japan begins its New Year celebrations, the deadly accident has cast a shadow over what is typically a festive period. Messages of condolence for the victim’s family have appeared on social media, while concern has grown for those seriously injured in the crash.

Emergency responders and cleanup crews continue to work around the clock to restore normal traffic flow and ensure the safety of motorists. Authorities say lessons learned from this incident may lead to renewed discussions about winter traffic management and emergency response on major highways.

The Kan-Etsu Expressway crash stands as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather and the importance of caution on winter roads. As investigations continue, officials hope that heightened awareness and improved safety measures can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.