Japan Successfully Recovers Truck Two Weeks After Sinkhole Devoured It

On February 13, 2025, rescue crews in Yashio, Japan, located the cab of a truck that had been swallowed by a sinkhole two weeks earlier. The truck’s 74-year-old driver was inside the cab, which was found in a 16-foot-wide sewer pipe near the site of the 130-foot-wide sinkhole.

Rescue efforts had previously recovered the truck’s bed from the sinkhole. Officials reported that drone images suggest a body is inside the cab, but access is restricted until a bypass pipe is installed to manage water flow, a process that could take up to three months.

The sinkhole incident occurred on February 1, 2025, when a truck was engulfed while the driver was inside. The truck’s bed was retrieved shortly after, but the cab and driver were pulled deeper into the hole, leading to a loss of contact. Rescuers have been working tirelessly to locate the driver and assess the situation.

Key details about the incident include:

• The sinkhole measures approximately 130 feet wide.
• The cab is located in a sewer pipe that is 16 feet wide.
• Drone images indicate the presence of a body inside the cab.

To facilitate the recovery, local officials have requested residents to limit water usage to reduce flow through the pipes. The installation of a bypass pipe is essential to divert water and allow rescuers access to the cab. This process is expected to take three months, while the overall repair of the sinkhole may take two to three years.

As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the area and provide updates on the recovery efforts. The community remains hopeful for a resolution as they deal with the aftermath of this tragic event.

The ongoing efforts to recover the truck cab and its driver highlight the challenges faced by rescue teams in such incidents. The situation remains critical as they work to ensure safety and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.