Seven Brazilians killed in Japan road pile-up
A seven-vehicle accident killed seven Brazilians on a Japanese highway today as they stood on the roadside next to their damaged minivan and were hit by an oncoming lorry.
Three Japanese were also injured in the accident, which occurred just before daybreak in the central state of Shiga.
It involved two passenger cars, two buses and three lorries, said police.
The Brazilians were all employees at a Shiga metalworking plant and had been out for a drive.
The chain reaction accident was triggered after a lorry hit the Brazilians’ minivan, and the other vehicles piled in from behind.
A third lorry tried swerving to avoid the wreckage but hit the Brazilians as they waited on the shoulder of the highway.
The driver of the lorry was arrested for professional negligence.
About 50 people were aboard the two buses, but they were unhurt.
