Emergency workers in Yashio city, north of Tokyo, are attempting to rescue a 74-year-old man trapped in a massive sinkhole since Tuesday. The sinkhole, which opened up due to corroded sewage pipes, has expanded significantly, complicating rescue efforts.
- 74-year-old man trapped in sinkhole
- Sinkhole caused by corroded sewage pipes
- Rescue efforts hindered by unstable ground
- Residents advised to reduce water usage
- Nationwide inspection of sewer systems ordered
- Concerns over ageing infrastructure in Japan
The incident occurred when the sinkhole first appeared on a road in Yashio city, Saitama prefecture, swallowing the man’s truck. Initially measuring about 10 meters wide and 5 meters deep, the sinkhole has since doubled in size. Rescue teams were able to communicate with the driver shortly after the incident but have not heard from him since Tuesday afternoon.
Rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to the unsteady ground conditions. Efforts to lift the truck using cranes have only recovered the loading platform, leaving the cabin, where the driver is believed to be trapped, untouched. Workers have also attempted to remove sediment and deployed drones to assess the situation, but these methods have proven ineffective.
Authorities had hoped to complete a 30-meter ramp by Friday to reach the driver, but local officials now estimate that it may take several more days. In the meantime, approximately 20 residents living within a 200-meter radius of the sinkhole have been evacuated to a nearby junior high school. Officials have urged over one million residents in the region to conserve water to prevent further complications with the sinkhole.
In response to the incident, Japan’s Ministry for Land, Infrastructure and Transport has ordered a nationwide inspection of sewer systems. This situation has raised concerns about the aging sewage pipeline infrastructure in a country known for its vulnerability to natural disasters.
The rescue of the trapped driver remains a top priority for emergency services in Yashio city. As efforts continue, the situation highlights the critical need for infrastructure maintenance and safety measures in disaster-prone regions.
