Particle.news
Download on the App Store
17 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

Trapped Truck Driver in Japan Sinkhole Rescue Faces Growing Challenges

Efforts to save a 74-year-old driver trapped in a massive sinkhole in Yashio City are hindered by unstable ground and a second collapse.

An aerial view shows rescue operations underway at a large sinkhole that swallowed a truck at an intersection in Yashio, north of Tokyo, Japan Jan. 28, 2025, in this photo taken by Kyodo.
Image
Aerial video: Massive sinkhole opens in Japan, swallows a truck

Overview

  • The sinkhole, which opened Tuesday morning in Yashio, measures approximately 32 feet wide and 16 feet deep, caused by a suspected corroded sewer pipe failure.
  • The truck driver, initially responsive, has been trapped for over 48 hours, with rescue teams unable to communicate with him since Tuesday afternoon.
  • Rescue operations are complicated by unstable ground conditions, water accumulation in the sinkhole, and a second collapse nearby early Wednesday morning.
  • Authorities have evacuated residents within a 200-meter radius, citing risks of further collapses and potential gas pipe damage.
  • Over 1.2 million people in the region are affected by sewage restrictions, as investigations continue into the infrastructure failure.