On May 9, 2025, a truck caught fire on the Tomei Expressway, causing significant disruptions in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The incident occurred around 2:00 PM near the Yamato Tunnel, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The driver of the truck, who reported the fire by dialing 110, managed to escape without injury. According to police reports, the fire is believed to have originated near the driver's seat, raising concerns about vehicle safety and maintenance. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames, which posed a risk to other motorists.
As a result of the fire, the Tomei Expressway was closed to traffic from the Ebina Minami Junction to the Yokohama Machida Interchange, leading to significant delays for travelers. This closure came during a particularly busy travel period, as many were returning from the Golden Week holidays.
Just days earlier, on May 8, highway companies had announced traffic conditions for the Golden Week, a peak travel season in Japan that spans from April 25 to May 6. This year, there were 310 instances of traffic jams exceeding 10 kilometers, a slight decrease of 19 compared to the previous year. However, the number of traffic jams exceeding 30 kilometers increased by two, highlighting ongoing congestion issues on major roadways.
The peak of outbound traffic congestion was recorded on May 3, while inbound traffic peaked on May 5. The average daily traffic volume during this period was reported at 40,000 vehicles, which represented a 2% decrease from the previous year. The highest volume of traffic reached 55,000 vehicles on a single day, illustrating the heavy use of highways during the holiday.
Notably, the longest outbound traffic jam occurred on May 3 near the Uenohara Interchange on the Chuo Expressway, stretching 45.5 kilometers. Inbound traffic faced even worse conditions, with a staggering 60-kilometer jam reported near the Iwatsuki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway the following day.
As the long holiday weekend came to a close, many travelers began their return trips on May 5. This led to extensive traffic jams on expressways, particularly on routes heading toward the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Japan Road Traffic Information Center noted that traffic jams exceeding 50 kilometers were reported on the Tohoku Expressway, while the Kan-Etsu Expressway near the Kawagoe Interchange and the Chuo Expressway near the Komaki Tunnel both experienced delays of around 30 kilometers.
In Kanagawa Prefecture, the Tomei Expressway near the Ebina Service Area saw heavy congestion, with vehicles lining up on connecting ramps. This congestion was exacerbated by the truck fire, which not only affected those traveling on the expressway but also raised concerns about the safety of vehicles on the road.
Authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant and ensure their vehicles are in good condition to prevent similar incidents. The truck fire serves as a reminder of the potential dangers on busy highways, particularly during peak travel times. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation and assist motorists affected by the closures.
As Japan moves forward from the Golden Week holiday, the government and highway authorities are expected to review traffic management strategies to enhance safety and reduce congestion on major expressways. The ongoing challenges of heavy traffic during holiday seasons highlight the need for effective planning and communication among travelers.
In the wake of the truck fire, officials are also likely to conduct investigations into the cause of the blaze, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent future incidents. The safety of drivers and passengers remains a top priority for transportation authorities as they navigate the complexities of managing Japan's busy roadways.
As the nation recovers from the holiday rush, the focus will shift to improving road safety and infrastructure to better accommodate the millions of travelers who rely on Japan's expressways each year.
