Shizuoka, Japan—A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Tomei Expressway on July 4, 2026, leaving three people dead. The incident, involving several passenger vehicles and a commercial truck, forced a total shutdown of the major artery for most of the day.

Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after the initial impact, which occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time. Firefighters used hydraulic cutters to extract trapped occupants from the twisted metal of the leading vehicles.

Three victims were pronounced dead at the site by responding medical personnel. Several other individuals were injured in the pileup and transported to regional hospitals, where they are currently being treated for a range of injuries.

Traffic police stated that the expressway was congested at the time of the crash. The initial sequence of the collision appears to have been triggered by a sudden braking maneuver that led to a rear-end impact, quickly involving the vehicles behind it.

The Tomei Expressway serves as one of the most critical transportation routes in the country. The blockage caused massive delays for thousands of travelers, with gridlock extending for several kilometers in both directions while investigators processed the scene.

Authorities are currently reviewing traffic camera footage to establish the timeline of events. They are specifically looking at whether high speed or mechanical failure played a role in the intensity of the crash.

The driver of the transport truck is currently being interviewed by local law enforcement. There is no immediate indication of driver impairment, though alcohol and drug testing are standard protocols in incidents resulting in fatalities.

The road was reopened to traffic by late evening after the wreckage was towed and the surface was cleared of debris. Police continue to appeal to witnesses who may have dashcam footage of the lead-up to the crash.