Massive sinkhole swallows truck; rescuers race to reach driver
Briefly

In Yashio, Japan, a 74-year-old man fell into a sinkhole while driving, prompting an intense rescue operation that faced complications from a second sinkhole formation. The first sinkhole, which opened suddenly, measured 32 feet across and engulfed the man's truck. Rescuers were initially able to pull the cargo bed out, but the driver's area was submerged, leaving search efforts hampered. Following the creation of a second sinkhole that expanded overnight, local authorities issued evacuation orders for nearby residents due to fears of further collapses affecting gas lines and safety.
The first sinkhole suddenly appeared Tuesday morning in Yashio, Japan, measuring 32 feet in diameter, swallowing a 74-year-old driver and complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue efforts intensified late into the evening after water submerged the driver's compartment, and a second sinkhole opened, causing local evacuations.
Local authorities issued evacuation alerts for residents near the Chuo intersection, fearing further collapses, while around 1.2 million people were urged to conserve water.
Inspection and rescue operations are ongoing as officials attempt to determine the situation, noting that sinkholes can emerge from natural erosion or human-related activities.
Read at Washington Post
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