On the night of April 26, 2025, a tragic series of accidents unfolded on the northbound lane of the Tohoku Expressway in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to ten others. The initial incident involved a car that was reportedly traveling in reverse, which collided head-on with another vehicle, leading to a subsequent pile-up involving a large truck.
According to local police, the first accident occurred around 10 p.m. near the Nasu Interchange. The driver of the car traveling in reverse was identified as 42-year-old Yuta Maehara, a resident of Utsunomiya City. He collided with a vehicle driven by 56-year-old Katsutoshi Hiratsuka from Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture. Both men tragically lost their lives in this initial collision.
Approximately 20 minutes later, as traffic backed up due to the first accident, a large truck rear-ended a passenger car at the end of the traffic jam. This collision resulted in the death of 60-year-old Yumiko Nagao, who was in the vehicle that was struck. The truck driver, 54-year-old Hidekazu Sumita from Rikuzentakata City, was arrested on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in death and injury.
The sequence of events began when Maehara's vehicle reportedly entered the expressway from the Kuroiso Parking Area Interchange, traveling in reverse for over two kilometers before the fatal head-on collision occurred. Witnesses reported seeing warning signs about a vehicle traveling in reverse near the Shirakawa Interchange, indicating that the dangerous situation had been ongoing for some time.
In total, six vehicles were involved in the rear-end collision, with ten individuals sustaining injuries, including two who suffered serious injuries such as fractured pelvises and spinal bones. The police have confirmed that there were no skid marks left at the scene of the head-on collision, suggesting that Maehara did not attempt to brake before the crash.
The accidents caused significant disruption, with the northbound lane of the Tohoku Expressway closed between Nasu Interchange and Kuroiso Interchange from shortly after 10 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. the following day. Many motorists were caught in the resulting traffic jam for hours, with one male company employee in his 40s describing the impact of the collision as "considerable" during an interview with Asahi Shimbun.
As the investigation continues, police are reviewing surveillance footage from the expressway and nearby interchanges to determine the full circumstances leading to the incidents. The tragic events have raised concerns about road safety, particularly regarding vehicles traveling in reverse, which has been a recurring issue on this stretch of highway.
Last year, Tochigi Prefecture also experienced fatal accidents caused by vehicles driving in reverse, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventative measures to ensure the safety of all road users. As one witness noted, the fear of becoming involved in such a tragic accident is palpable, and many are calling for better signage and enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers present on the roads, particularly during busy travel periods. Authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant and report any erratic behavior they observe on the highways.
As investigations proceed, the community mourns the loss of three lives, and thoughts turn to the importance of road safety. The police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the events of that fateful night.
