(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121201-japan-tunnel-hmed815p.photoblog600.jpg)Kyodo News / APPolice officers and firefighters gather at the exit of the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Otsuki in central Japan on Sunday.By NBC News staff and wire servicesTOKYO -- A tunnel on a heavily traveled highway west of Tokyo collapsed early Sunday, trapping vehicles and leaving seven people missing, authorities said.
Follow @NBCNewsUS (http://twitter.com/NBCNewsUS)Smoke from a fire that resulted in the 2.7-mile-long Sasago Tunnel hampered rescue attempts. The fire service said the blaze was extinguished about 11 a.m. -- some three hours after the accident occurred. Rescue work was then suspended for fear of further collapses.
Seven people were believed to be missing and two were injured, the fire service said. At least two cars were thought to be trapped.
Motorists described narrow escapes from falling debris, and a long walk through the darkness after abandoning their cars.
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