TOKYO: A truck cabin swallowed by a sinkhole in Japan has been discovered inside a nearby sewer pipe, officials report.
Drone images suggest a human body inside the cabin, but identification is still uncertain, officials stated.
The truck’s 74-year-old driver has been missing since the vehicle fell into the sinkhole two weeks ago.
The massive sinkhole opened at a busy intersection in Yashio city, near Tokyo, due to a sewer rupture.
The hole, originally 10m wide, expanded to 40m as it merged with another nearby sinkhole.
Search Efforts
Rescue teams cannot enter the 5m-wide sewer pipe due to constant water flow and toxic gas presence.
Officials say hydrogen sulfide levels are dangerously high, preventing direct access to the submerged truck.
A temporary bypass pipe must be installed to halt water flow before search teams can enter safely.
This process may take three months, according to Saitama Governor Motohiro Ono.
Previously, crews managed to retrieve the truck’s loading platform but failed to access the driver’s cabin.
Last Contact
The missing driver initially communicated with rescuers but lost contact as debris buried the vehicle deeper.
Authorities shifted their search to the sewer pipe after discovering part of a driver’s seat nearby.
The sinkhole’s continued erosion has forced authorities to order evacuations in surrounding areas.
Residents near the expanding crater were told to leave their homes due to the risk of further collapses.
Officials also urged 1.2 million people in Saitama prefecture to reduce their water consumption.
Ongoing Risks
Excessive water use could worsen the situation by increasing flow in the underground pipelines, officials warned.
The unstable ground conditions have repeatedly halted rescue efforts due to safety concerns.
Authorities suspended search operations several times to reassess risks before resuming work.
The growing sinkhole has heightened fears of further structural failures in the affected region.
Officials say repairing the ruptured sewer system may take up to three years.
Infrastructure Concerns
Sinkholes are becoming more frequent in Japan due to aging sewage infrastructure in urban areas.
The incident highlights the need for urgent upgrades to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Authorities continue monitoring the site while developing long-term solutions for affected communities.
Residents remain on high alert as experts assess the potential for additional ground collapses.
Local governments are reviewing city-wide sewer maintenance plans to prevent future incidents.
