Heavy snow in central Japan has left vehicles stranded over a 5-kilometer stretch in both directions on the Meishin Expressway.

The Central Nippon Expressway Company says the traffic jam occurred around the Sekigahara Interchange in Gifu Prefecture.

The firm says cars were stuck over a stretch of 5.5 kilometers on the lanes heading toward Tokyo and over 6.6 kilometers in the other direction as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Two trucks reportedly became trapped in the section due to snow at around 9 a.m., stranding vehicles that had already reached there before it was closed.

The expressway operator has mobilized snowplows to help clear stranded vehicles. But the firm says clearance work is not keeping up with the snowfall and it remains unclear when the standstill can be cleared.

Fire department officials say two young passengers on a stranded vehicle, a 5-year-old and a one-year-old boy, were sent to hospital after feeling sick.

Water, food and other relief supplies are being distributed to those stranded in their vehicles.

The Defense Ministry says it will send about 350 Ground Self-Defense Force personnel based in Nagoya City to the site, following a request from Gifu Prefecture at 3 p.m.

The SDF members will clear snow and deliver food and fuel.

Heavy snow has caused traffic jams and accidents in the western region of Kinki. Some injuries have been reported.