Shizuoka, Japan—Two people died Wednesday morning after a multi-car collision on the Tomei Expressway. The incident occurred in the Shizuoka section of the highway. At least five vehicles were involved in the pileup. Traffic came to a complete standstill for several hours.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after 8 a.m. They found several vehicles crushed between a large truck and a passenger car. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics transported four others to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The highway patrol closed the outbound lanes for most of the day. They conducted a forensic analysis of the road surface and vehicle wreckage. Preliminary findings suggest a vehicle ahead braked suddenly, sparking a chain reaction. Visibility was clear at the time of the crash.

Commuters faced significant delays across the prefecture. Authorities diverted traffic onto local roads to manage the congestion. The expressway serves as a primary link between Tokyo and Nagoya. Disruptions had a ripple effect on logistics throughout the region.

Investigators are currently interviewing surviving drivers. They are also reviewing dashcam footage from vehicles involved in the collision. The police department has not yet determined if driver fatigue or mechanical failure played a role.

The identities of the deceased have been withheld pending notification of their families. Support teams are providing assistance to those affected by the wreck. Local officials are under pressure to review safety protocols for this specific stretch of the expressway.

Cleanup crews cleared the debris by late afternoon. Tow trucks removed the damaged vehicles from the site. Traffic began moving again by sunset. The expressway is now fully reopened.

The investigation remains active. Officials will continue to examine the scene to establish a definitive cause. No criminal charges have been filed at this time.