International News

TOKYO, (APP/AFP) – A fiery pile-up inside
a Japanese highway tunnel on Thursday 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 7:30 am (2230 GMT) inside the 860-metre
(940-yard) 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.