This picture released from Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters shows the site of a traffic accident in the 860-metre Hachihonmatsu tunnel in Hiroshima prefecture. — AFP/Jiji Press photo
TOKYO: A fiery pile-up inside a Japanese highway tunnel yesterday killed at least two people and left 70 needing treatment as dozens fled toxic smoke from burning vehicles, police and media said.
The accident happened around 7.30am (2230 GMT) inside the 860-metre Hachihonmatsu tunnel in Hiroshima prefecture, southwest Japan, according to a local police spokesman who spoke with AFP on condition of anonymity.
A truck crashed into several vehicles that were stopped inside the tunnel, causing it and at least one other vehicle to catch fire, he said. Local media said a dozen vehicles were involved, with at least five cars burning.
Public broadcaster NHK showed dramatic images of dark, thick smoke bellowing out of the tunnel as dozens of firefighters and police officers descended on the scene. Emergency crews were seen assisting those who fled the tunnel, with a tent erected to assist those in medical need.
The fire was put out a little more than two hours after the accident, the police spokesman said.
Two people, including a woman, were confirmed dead, though the gender of the other fatality could not immediately be determined, the spokesman added. — AFP