multi-vehicle accident; multiple collision
Refers to a traffic accident involving three or more vehicles, often used in news reports.
A multi-vehicle accident occurred on the expressway, involving more than ten cars.
霧のため多重事故が起きやすくなっている。
Due to the fog, multi-vehicle accidents are more likely to occur.
玉突き事故 specifically refers to a chain-reaction rear-end collision, while 多重事故 is a broader term for any accident with multiple vehicles.
接触事故 is a minor collision or sideswipe, usually between two vehicles, whereas 多重事故 implies a larger-scale incident.
Compound of 多重 (multiple) + 事故 (accident).