A massive sinkhole measuring 10 meters wide and 6 meters deep opened at an intersection in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, on Tuesday morning, engulfing a truck and trapping its driver. Emergency crews worked throughout the day to rescue the man, who was initially conscious and responsive, according to fire authorities.
According to a Kyodo report, the incident was reported to police at around 9:50 a.m. Two rescuers sustained minor injuries when sediment fell on them during the operation to reach the trapped driver using heavy machinery.
Prefectural officials attributed the collapse to a severely corroded sewerage pipe located 10 meters below ground. Surrounding sediment is believed to have flowed into the pipe, creating a void that caused the road to cave in under the weight of passing vehicles. The corrosion may have been caused by sulfuric acid, formed from hydrogen sulfide gas reacting with air.
Witnesses reported the road sinking moments before the truck passed over it. Local authorities are investigating the condition of nearby infrastructure to prevent similar incidents.
