By Saturday, the sinking was about 40 meters in diameter. The hole in the ground seems to only grow.
Yashio, Japan, is looking for a 74-year-old truck driver who disappeared on Tuesday after driving at the crossroads to sink.
The accident happened in Saitma’s prefecture near Tokyo, Japan Today reported.
The hole has become widened since it suddenly appeared at the intersection on Tuesday.
By Saturday, the opening was about 40 meters in diameter. The pit is estimated to be about 15 meters deep.
Authorities suspect the underground sewer pipeline has been damaged and fear the aperture created by the sinking will soon be filled with flood water.
According to Japan Today, authorities have requested about 1.2 million inhabitants in 12 neighborhoods to refrain from rinsing the toilet. In addition, 200 households have been urged to evacuate from the area.
Officer of the sewerage network of Saitama Prefecture Jun uharara commented to AP news agency that the land sinking may have been due to an outdated pipeline underground.
The Ministry of Japanese, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported on Friday For CNNthat the Ministry has prescribed emergency inspections of sewerage pipes in the Sait and six other areas with a total of 39 million people.
Source: AP