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.

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.