December 2, 2012 - 15:39 AMT
At least 7 missing after Japan tunnel collapse

A major road tunnel has collapsed in Japan, trapping a number of vehicles and leaving at least seven people missing, media reports say.

Survivors described how large sections of concrete fell on top of cars in the Sasago tunnel.

A fire broke out and rescuers said a number of charred bodies had been seen.

The incident started at 08:00 local time (23:00 GMT Dec 1), about 80km (50 miles) west of Tokyo on a road that links it to the city of Nagoya.

The tunnel is one of the longest in Japan.

Thick black smoke was seen coming out of the tunnel, hampering rescuers.

The rescue then had to be suspended for several hours because a further collapse was feared.

When it resumed, the first fatalities were found.

One woman was taken to hospital after she had made her way out of the tunnel, according to BBC News.