TOKYO (AP) – A dramatic incident involving a truck that fell into a sinkhole near Tokyo has garnered nationwide attention as rescue efforts for the elderly driver continue. The sinkhole appeared suddenly on a road in Yashio City, located just northeast of Tokyo, leading to concerns about the structural integrity of Japan's aging infrastructure. As a precaution, residents living near the sinkhole have taken shelter at a local school due to fears of flooding and sewage leaks.
The situation began to unfold on Tuesday morning when a 3-ton flat-bed truck plunged into the sinkhole, which initially measured approximately 10 meters (33 feet) wide and 5 meters (16 feet) deep. As the situation progressed, the sinkhole expanded to double its original dimensions, raising alarms about public safety in the area.
According to Yashio fire department official Yoshifumi Hashiguchi, the driver, a 74-year-old man, is believed to be trapped inside the cabin of the truck. Early reports indicated that he was conscious and able to communicate with rescue workers; however, he has not responded since Tuesday afternoon, increasing concerns about his safety.
Authorities are investigating the potential causes of the sinkhole. Jun Uehara, a sewer system official from Saitama Prefecture, suggested that corrosion, possibly caused by strong acids flowing through the sewer system, may have led to a hole developing in the pipe. This incident created a void in the soil beneath the road, exacerbating the situation. Interestingly, no issues with the pipe were detected during its last visual inspection, mandated every five years. The leaking sewage could also contribute to possible flooding in the vicinity.
The challenges of the rescue operation have been substantial. The unstable ground condition, with hollow spaces below the surface, has complicated efforts to reach the trapped driver. Television coverage revealed the asphalt road breaking apart and collapsing further into the sinkhole, leading to additional hazards. Although rescuers have attempted to lift the truck with cranes, they could only retrieve the loading platform, leaving the driver's cabin intact and inaccessible. Other methods, including sediment removal and drone surveillance, have not yielded successful results.
In light of the ongoing situation, local authorities are urging neighbors to minimize their water use. Parts of the surrounding roadways have been closed, and there is uncertainty about the duration of the rescue operations. Approximately 20 residents living within a 200-meter (656 feet) radius have been relocated to a local junior high school for safety. Moreover, over one million residents across Saitama Prefecture, especially in areas reliant on the affected sewer system, have been advised to limit activities like laundry and bathing to prevent overflow conditions. Officials have initiated plans to divert sewage from an upstream pumping station into a nearby river after treatment to alleviate the pressure on the compromised pipe.
Once the driver is successfully rescued, experts will be tasked with inspecting the damaged sewage system to assess the extent of the issue. The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has since ordered a nationwide inspection of sewer systems in light of this incident. This event has sparked renewed discussions regarding Japan's aging infrastructure, built predominantly during the country's rapid economic expansion in the 1960s and 1970s. The sewage pipe associated with this sinkhole is reported to be approximately 40 years old, raising additional concerns about its maintenance and safety.
As the rescue efforts continue, the situation remains fluid, with authorities working diligently to ensure the safety of residents and the trapped driver.
