A man involved in a fatal collision fled the scene and was later found bleeding and unconscious in critical condition.

According to police, yesterday before 10 a.m. on National Route 21 in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture, a car driven by a 33-year-old company employee veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a light passenger vehicle.

In the accident, a 65-year-old woman in the passenger seat of the light vehicle died, while her 70-year-old husband, who was driving, suffered serious injuries including broken ribs.

After the accident, the man abandoned his car and fled, climbing onto the roof of a nearby house. Police later found him bleeding from the head and unconscious in a vacant lot about 100 meters from the crash site. He remains in critical condition.

The man had been involved in two rear-end collisions prior to this incident, and police are investigating the full circumstances.

National Route 21

National Route 21 is a major highway in Japan, historically known as the **Nakasendō**, one of the Five Routes of the Edo period (1603–1868). It connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) through the mountainous central region, serving as a vital trade and travel route. Today, parts of the historic Nakasendō are preserved, featuring scenic post towns like Magome and Tsumago, while the modern Route 21 follows a similar path in some sections.

Kakamigahara City

Kakamigahara City, located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is known for its rich aviation history and aerospace industry, stemming from its former role as a key Imperial Japanese Army airbase during World War II. Today, it houses the Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum, showcasing the city’s connection to flight and technology. The city also features lush parks, like the Kakamigahara Fruit Park, blending modern innovation with natural beauty.

Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture, located in central Japan, is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and traditional crafts. It was a strategic region during the Sengoku period (15th–16th centuries) and is home to historic sites like Gifu Castle and the preserved town of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The prefecture is also renowned for cormorant fishing (ukai), a practice dating back over 1,300 years.