19-year-old driver survives as car crashes into truck and kills three passengers in Japan

Three passengers were killed after a car collided head-on with a truck and caught fire at an intersection in Chiba City, Japan, early Tuesday (29 September), police said.

The crash occurred at about 4.15am near JR Soga Station in Soga, Chuo Ward, Chiba City, according to police.

The car, driven by a 19-year-old man, collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction.

Police said the car is believed to have crossed the centre line before the collision.

Three passengers trapped inside car

The impact caused the car to catch fire, trapping three passengers inside.

Emergency services received a 110 emergency call from a witness who reported that a car was on fire at the intersection.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze about an hour later and found the bodies of three people inside the car.

Police had not immediately confirmed their genders or identities.

The 19-year-old driver was taken to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The 57-year-old truck driver also sustained minor injuries.

Police investigate cause of crash

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, including why the car crossed into the truck's lane.

The investigation remains ongoing.