A major crash on Japan’s Kan-etsu Expressway left one person dead and 26 injured as the country kicked off its year-end holidays. The Gunma Prefectural Highway Police reported that the massive pileup happened late Friday in Minakami, about 160 km northwest of Tokyo. It started when two trucks collided on snow-covered roads, triggering a crash involving more than 50 vehicles. A 77-year-old Tokyo woman died in the accident. Among the 26 hurt, five were in serious condition. Social media videos showed fire breaking out at one end of the pileup, setting over a dozen vehicles alight. Firefighters fought the blaze for about seven hours. Authorities blamed the heavy snow for causing the crash. Parts of the expressway remain closed for investigation and wreckage clearing. Many online users expressed shock, noting Japan’s reputation for safe roads. One wrote, "Japan has some of the safest roads globally, but extreme weather doesn't discriminate. Condolences to all affected." Another said, "Tragic and terrifying. Severe weather can turn highways into disaster zones in seconds, and this shows how quickly conditions can spiral out of control. Thoughts with the victims and everyone affected — a stark reminder of how dangerous winter driving can be, even in well-prepared countries."