Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Kanetsu Expressway Reopens After 67‑Vehicle Pileup Near Minakami

Police are investigating road-surface freezing as a likely factor.

Overview

  • NEXCO East Japan lifted the final closure between Tsukiyono IC and Minakami IC around 1 p.m. on December 28, restoring traffic across the route.
  • Reopening was staged, with some sections cleared around 12:45 a.m. on December 28 and full passability achieved roughly 42 hours after the crash.
  • Two people were confirmed dead and 26 were injured, including five seriously, according to Gunma Prefectural Police.
  • The collision spanned about 300 meters on the southbound lanes near Minakami, involved 67 vehicles, and left roughly 20 vehicles burned.
  • Lane restrictions for recovery and repairs continue, and operators had directed detours via the Joshinetsu and Banetsu expressways during the closure.