Tragedy on the Expressway: 1 Killed, 13 Injured in Devastating Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Tokyo

FUJISAWA, Japan — A tragic multi-vehicle collision south of Tokyo has left one passenger dead and 13 others injured after a car crossed into oncoming traffic, crashing into multiple vehicles before slamming into a sightseeing bus.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. at a busy intersection in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture—located about 200 meters east of Fujisawa-Honmachi Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line.

According to local emergency responders and fire officials, a passenger car driven by a 77-year-old man crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. The vehicle struck several oncoming cars, including a taxi, before continuing into the intersection and crashing into the rear of a tour bus carrying senior passengers.

In total, 14 individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals following emergency dispatch calls. Authorities confirmed that a 77-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat of the car that crossed the median died from her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The 13 surviving victims include 11 tour bus passengers, mostly aged between their 60s and 80s, who suffered minor to moderate injuries. Also injured were the 77-year-old male driver of the car that crossed into oncoming traffic and a driver in his 20s involved in the multi-vehicle crash. Medical officials confirmed that none of the 13 surviving victims sustained life-threatening injuries.

Local residents and witnesses described a chaotic scene immediately following the crash, with loud screeching tires followed by a series of heavy impacts. Bystanders and shopkeepers nearby rushed out to assist trapped passengers and direct oncoming traffic before emergency crews, including over a dozen ambulances and fire engines, arrived at the scene.

The Kanagawa Prefectural Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the disaster. Detectives are examining whether driver fatigue, a sudden medical emergency, or mechanical failure caused the vehicle to veer into oncoming lanes.

Traffic in the surrounding area experienced severe delays throughout Monday morning as cleanup crews cleared debris and police performed preliminary accident reconstructions.