Japan highway tunnel collapses, many missing

Efforts to rescue any survivors trapped inside the tunnel were hindered by heavy smoke after a vehicle caught fire inside Sasago Tunnel, about 80 km outside Tokyo.

Rescuers also temporarily suspended work due to fears of a further collapse. They were attempting to reach several vehicles believed buried in rubble, including a truck whose driver was trapped inside and had called his company for help.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued a statement late Sunday saying five people were confirmed to have been in a car that burned, and at least one was in a truck. But officials said they could not confirm the exact number of people believed dead.