Deadly Hit-and-Run in Tokyo's Adachi Ward Leaves One Dead, Eleven Injured; Driver Apprehended

Tragic Incident Unfolds in Adachi Ward

A devastating hit-and-run incident occurred on Monday, November 24, 2025, on National Highway Route 4 in Tokyo's Adachi Ward, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to eleven others. The driver, a 37-year-old man, was apprehended shortly after fleeing the scene of the multiple collisions.

Emergency services were alerted around 12:30 PM local time (JST) following reports of a vehicle striking pedestrians and other cars. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.

Details of the Collision

According to police reports and witness accounts, the vehicle, which was later identified as stolen, entered a pedestrian crossing against a red light. It then veered onto the sidewalk, striking several individuals, before returning to the roadway. The car continued its destructive path, colliding with a truck and causing a six-vehicle pile-up, before finally coming to a stop after hitting a guard rail.

The chaotic sequence of events unfolded rapidly, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties along the busy highway. The driver reportedly abandoned the car and attempted to flee the scene on foot immediately after the vehicle came to a halt.

Casualties and Medical Response

The Tokyo Fire Department confirmed that a man in his 80s was pronounced dead at a hospital following the incident. Among the eleven injured, a woman in her 20s was found in cardio-respiratory arrest and remains in serious condition. The other injured individuals received medical attention for various degrees of injuries.

The incident occurred approximately 1 kilometer east of Tobu Railway's Nishi-Arai Station, in an area characterized by buildings and apartment complexes.

Driver Apprehended and Investigation Underway

The 37-year-old male driver was successfully apprehended by police approximately 500 meters from the scene after a brief pursuit. Initial investigations suggest the car involved in the incident was stolen from a nearby car dealership about two hours prior to the crash. An employee at the dealership had reported a vehicle driven off from a display around 10:30 AM on the same day.

The suspect has reportedly denied the theft charges, claiming he 'did not steal the car' but was 'running out of the store to test-drive it.' The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the man on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Law, and is evaluating whether he can be held criminally responsible. Potential charges include hit-and-run and dangerous driving resulting in death or injury.