A tragic accident on the New Meishin Expressway in Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture, resulted in six fatalities when a large truck collided with passenger vehicles. The Mie Prefectural Police arrested the truck driver, Mitsuyo Mizutani, 54, and have initiated an investigation into his employer, transport company HIROKI, under allegations of negligent driving causing death. The police conducted searches at two locations including the company's office in Hiroshima City to assess whether the driver’s working condition or health contributed to the incident.

The accident happened around 2:20 AM near the exit of the Nobo Tunnel, under conditions where construction had reduced the speed limit to 50 km/h, leading to traffic congestion. It was reported that the truck first collided with a passenger vehicle carrying five individuals, setting off a chain reaction that also involved another car and a large trailer. The collision was severe enough to result in the igniting of two passenger vehicles, with the police confirming the deaths of three adults and children from one vehicle, as well as an adult from another.

Investigators are analyzing the crash scene, including the truck's speed at the time of the accident and any brake marks on the roadway. The police plan to conduct autopsies on the deceased and are set to perform DNA tests to assist in identifying them. Furthermore, the driver was transferred to the Tsu District Public Prosecutors Office for further legal proceedings related to negligent driving charges, indicating a serious legal fallout from this tragic event.