2 December 2012 Last updated at 08:29

In pictures: Japan tunnel collapse

Several people are missing and a number of cars have been trapped after part of the Sasago tunnel on a major highway outside Tokyo collapsed.

Rescue workers are searching for survivors, but reported seeing charred bodies in the tunnel after a fire broke out following the collapse.

Survivors described large sections of concrete falling on top of cars, and vehicles on fire.

Smoke was seen billowing out of the entrance of the tunnel, which is one of the longest in Japan.

The Chuo highway, which runs through the tunnel and is a major routes into Tokyo, has been closed.

It is not yet clear what caused the collapse. Japan is prone to earthquakes, but none were reported in the area.

Asia