
A truck crashes into a smaller car on a highway, compressing it like a cola can. The heap of metal then continues to plough though a line of cars, scattering them like billiard balls. Mere seconds later, intense orange flames engulf the entire segment of the highway and thick, black smoke fills the air.
This sounds like a scene right out of a Hollywood action movie, but unfortunately this is real life. If you can stomach the intense footage, check out the following video from Japan’s ANN News channel, which shows an everyday highway scene turn into a mess of metal and flames in the blink of an eye.
The accident occurred on October 16 on the Meishin Highway in Hashimashi, Gifu Prefecture as a heavy goods vehicle rammed into a row of cars that had begun to reduce their speed. It is unclear at this time whether there were any fatalities, but at least four people are believed to have been injured and five cars were ablaze just moments after the truck struck the first vehicle.
Japanese netizens commented:
“They catch fire so easily.”
“I usually drive my wife and two kids around. If I were caught in this situation, I am not confident I’d be able to save my kids…”
“[After the fire] the car door seemed undamaged. Maybe they were able to escape?”
“This footage is too much. If I were in the cars in front, I would be agonized.”
Tragedies like these are a stark reminder that accidents can happen at any time. We at RocketNews24 hope that, if you happen to be reading this story on a mobile device while out and about, you remain aware of your surroundings and stay safe at all times. Take care out there, folks!

Three heroes honored for miracle intervention in a highway accident in Chiba
Horrifying video shows gravity-defying bus accident
Half-destroyed truck seen driving down Japanese highway, astounds drivers【Video】
Highway “ghost” spooks YouTube viewers in Japan【Video】
Tragic toy car accident in China leaves nation divided【Video】
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
This market is the birthplace of the “selfish” sashimi bowl, and it’s awesome【Photos】
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Dump truck miraculously saved from going off a bridge at the very last second 【Video】
Car accident reminds us of the obvious dangers of driving while eating instant ramen
Idiot Japanese drivers remind us life is not Initial D, no matter how loud your Eurobeat is 【Vid】
Man sees figure clinging to bus on highway in Japan, immediately calls police 【Video】
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Japanese toilet thrills motorsports fans at Suzuka F1 racing circuit highway service area【Video】
Traffic accident scammer caught on CCTV in China, ends up having to pay fine himself 【Video】
Road in Chiba plagued by accidents involving shutterbugs seeking “Chiba-fornia” shots【Video】