Two people died and 26 were injured in a massive pile-up on a highway in central Japan. The 50-vehicle crash occurred on the Kan-etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma prefecture. The incident took place around 7:30 PM local time on December 26th.

Police reported that two trucks initially collided, triggering a chain reaction. At least ten vehicles caught fire. A 77-year-old woman from Tokyo was among the deceased. The other victim was found in a burnt-out truck. Five people sustained serious injuries, and 21 suffered minor injuries.

A heavy snow warning was in effect at the time. Icy road conditions likely caused the initial trucks to skid. Firefighters extinguished the blaze after seven and a half hours.

Authorities closed a section of the highway. Many vehicles, severely charred, remained stuck in the outbound lane. Towing operations are underway.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident. The closed section of the highway will remain shut until the wreckage is cleared and the road is deemed safe.