Gunma: A massive collision in snowy weather left one person dead and 26 others injured on a highway in Japan late Friday, as the country began its year-end holiday season. Gunma Prefectural Highway Police said Saturday that a chain-reaction collision on the Kan-Etsu Expressway began with a crash between two trucks in Minakami Township, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Tokyo.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo died, and five of the 26 injured were reported to be in serious condition. The collision of the two trucks blocked sections of the expressway, and vehicles approaching from behind were unable to brake on the icy surface. Police said the chain-reaction involved more than 50 vehicles.

A fire broke out at the far end of the accident site and spread to more than ten vehicles, some of which were completely destroyed. Police said no one was injured in the fire, which was extinguished after about seven hours. Sections of the expressway remained closed for police investigations and debris removal.