Japan snowstorm traps 3,000 vehicles in 23km traffic jam
Heavy snowfall caused a traffic jam to form on Friday on a highway in western Japan that stretched for up to 23km (14 miles) overnight, involving an estimated 3,000 vehicles, according to the highway operator and local firefighters. Lanes were subsequently closed on the Sanyo Expressway between Hiroshima Prefecture, where the incident happened, and neighbouring…
Lanes were subsequently closed on the Sanyo Expressway between Hiroshima Prefecture, where the incident happened, and neighbouring Yamaguchi Prefecture, but they reopened on Saturday afternoon, West Nippon Expressway said.
The traffic jam hit as some drivers were returning from visits to their hometowns for the New Year holidays.
An emergency call was received at around 7.20pm on Friday, saying that a car with normal tyres got stuck in snow on a section of the Sanyo Expressway in Hiroshima Prefecture, according to local police.
People from at least four vehicles made similar calls after getting stuck in the same area, police said.
A man in his 30s trapped in the traffic jam called for an ambulance complaining of ringing in the ears, dizziness and nausea. He was taken to hospital, local firefighters said.
