A truck cabin that was swallowed by a sinkhole in Yashio city, Japan, has been located in a nearby sewer pipe, according to authorities. The incident occurred two weeks ago, and while drone images suggest a human body is inside the cabin, it remains unclear if it belongs to the missing 74-year-old driver.
- Truck cabin found in sewer pipe
- Possible human remains inside the cabin
- Sinkhole caused by sewer rupture
- Search hampered by water flow and gas
- Residents advised to evacuate homes
- Repairs could take two to three years
The sinkhole initially measured 10 meters wide and 5 meters deep but has since expanded significantly after merging with another nearby sinkhole. This has raised concerns about further collapses, prompting local authorities to evacuate residents and ask 1.2 million people in Saitama prefecture to reduce water usage. Continuous water flow and high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas in the sewer pipe have hindered search efforts, leading to multiple suspensions of the operation.
Rescue teams managed to recover the truck’s loading platform but were unable to reach the cabin, where the driver was last known to be. After the truck fell into the sinkhole on January 28, the driver communicated with rescuers initially, but contact was lost as the vehicle became buried. On Sunday, authorities shifted their focus to the sewer pipe after discovering part of a driver’s seat.
Officials estimate that repairing the sewer rupture could take two to three years, highlighting the ongoing issue of sinkholes in Japan, often attributed to aging sewage infrastructure. The situation remains critical as authorities work to stabilize the area and ensure public safety.
In summary, the search for the missing truck driver continues as authorities navigate the challenges posed by the sinkhole and sewer conditions. The situation underscores the importance of infrastructure maintenance to prevent such incidents in the future.
