On the morning of January 21st, at approximately 7:50 AM, multiple vehicles collided on the Kanagawa Expressway, near Maebashi City.
The collision involved three vehicles: a minibus carrying students from the Isesaki Commercial High School soccer team, as well as several cars and a truck. Reports indicate trauma to at least six individuals, including four male students, the team coach, and the truck driver, all of whom were taken to the hospital.
The incident occurred when the 66-year-old female driver of one of the passenger cars encountered debris—specifically, a blue sheet—on the roadway and began to slow down. This unexpected reduction in speed caused the following vehicles, including the minibus and the truck, to collide.
Onboard the minibus were 24 individuals, comprising 23 soccer players and their 36-year-old coach. They were en route to practice matches when the incident happened. Despite the injuries sustained, all individuals involved remain conscious, with no life-threatening conditions reported, authorities confirmed.
According to the Gunma Prefectural Police's highway patrol, the two-lane expressway was closed to traffic for over four hours following the crash, spanning from the Maebashi Interchange to the Shibukawa Ikaho Interchange, as emergency services responded to the incident and cleared wreckage from the roadway.
This incident has drawn attention not only due to the injuries caused but also because it occurred amid weather conditions prompting warnings about heavy snowfall affecting various regions in Japan. Concurrently, authorities have cautioned motorists about the treacherous weather impacting road safety, advising against non-essential travel during predicted snowstorms.
The freezing conditions have not only created hazards for highway travel but also raised concerns among transportation businesses and vehicle operators about potential delays and the need for alternate routes.
Local officials urge parents and community members involved with school sports to stay informed about weather conditions and prepare accordingly for safe travel to events. Looking back at the incident, the local soccer community has expressed their concern for the injured students and has mobilized support for them and their families.
Further investigations by the police are underway to establish the exact cause of the accident, including examining the senior driver's actions amid hazardous driving conditions.
The collision has spotlighted the broader issues of road safety, especially during adverse weather. Measures to promote awareness and cautious driving practices will likely follow this incident as authorities seek to prevent future accidents.
Safety organizations are also advocating for vehicle safety checks and training programs aimed at minimizing risks associated with driving during winter storms.
While this multiple vehicle collision on the Kanagawa Expressway has resulted in injuries and significant distress, it has equally underscored the importance of road safety vigilance among drivers, especially under tough weather conditions. Community responses and support for safety measures are expected to ramp up following this alarming event, leaving community members to reflect on the need for greater caution on the roads.