At Least Three Dead After Japan’s Sasago Tunnel Collapse

Reuters/Reuters – Police officers and firefighters gather in front of the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Otsuki, Yamanashi prefecture, in this photo taken by Kyodo December 2, 2012. REUTERS/Kyodo

At least 3 people were killed when part of the Sasago Tunnel in Japan collapse on Sunday morning.

There was fire in the tunnel.

Rescue operations have been interrupted for fear they might trigger another collapse.

The fire service said the blaze was extinguished about 11 a.m. , 3 hours after the accident.

The fire service earlier said at least seven people were missing in the 4.7 km (2.8-mile) tunnel in Yamanashi prefecture, about 80 km (50 miles) west of Tokyo on the Chou Expressway, a main road connecting the capital to western Japan.

It was also reported that a 50-60 meters (165 feet) long section of ceiling panels fell to the road.

They are still looking into the cause of the accident.

Smoke is seen from the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Koshu, Yamanashi prefecture, in this Kyodo handout photo, December 2, 2012. REUTERS/Kyodo