In a tragic incident that has captured the attention of Saitama Prefecture, a road collapse in Yashio City has left a 74-year-old truck driver unaccounted for since January 28, 2025. The driver fell into a sinkhole that formed when a sewer pipe beneath the roadway failed, causing a 4-ton truck to plunge into the depths. As of April 30, it had been three months since the accident, and the search for the driver is set to resume on May 1, 2025, with new methods being employed to locate him.
The accident occurred at around 9:50 AM on January 28 when emergency services received a call reporting that a truck had fallen into a collapsed road. The site, located about 700 meters north of the Yashio Interchange on the Metropolitan Expressway, saw a hole measuring approximately 10 meters in diameter and 10 meters deep. Initial reports indicated that communication with the driver was possible shortly after the incident, but as conditions deteriorated, it became increasingly difficult to conduct rescue operations.
In the days following the accident, the situation escalated. By January 29, a new collapse occurred during rescue efforts, causing the hole to expand significantly. The risk of further collapses and secondary damage from surrounding asphalt made rescue efforts perilous. As of January 31, the hole had grown to about 40 meters wide and 15 meters deep, with approximately 8 meters of debris filling the bottom.
Investigators believe the collapse was caused by a combination of factors, including the deterioration of the sewer pipe running beneath the road. Corrosion and other issues had previously been noted in inspections, but they were not deemed urgent enough for immediate repairs. This has raised serious questions about the adequacy of past maintenance practices.
On April 30, Saitama Prefecture Governor Motohiro Ono announced that an investigation inside the damaged sewer would commence on May 1. This will mark the first time since the incident that personnel will enter the sewer to assess conditions. "We are proceeding with preparations to carry out confirmation by people, and we want to do our best to continue to make progress so that we can start rescuing from the cabin as soon as possible," Governor Ono stated during a press conference.
The truck's cabin was found approximately 30 meters downstream within the sewer, raising hopes that the driver may still be alive. However, the safety of the area remains a concern due to the presence of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, which has been detected in the sewer. Firefighters and police will assess the safety of the search route and the concentration of this hazardous gas before full-scale rescue operations can begin.
In the weeks following the accident, efforts to divert sewage from the area were implemented to lower the water level within the sewer, allowing for safer conditions for rescue teams. Temporary drainage pipes were installed, and on April 28, the diversion of sewage officially began. Despite these measures, a significant amount of water continues to flow into the site, complicating rescue efforts.
As of May 1, 2025, the search for the missing driver will be resumed. The plan includes lowering the water level further and ensuring that the area is safe for personnel to enter. Governor Ono emphasized the importance of thorough checks before any rescue attempts, stating, "Whether or not to enter the search will be decided after the fire department and police share the results of the survey carefully."
The community has been deeply affected by this incident, with many residents expressing concern for the driver and his family. The prefecture has been in constant communication with local residents regarding safety measures and updates on the rescue efforts. In a briefing for local residents, Governor Ono acknowledged the long road ahead, stating that "restoration will take a long time" due to the extensive damage and the need for comprehensive repairs to the sewer system.
As the search and rescue efforts continue, many are left wondering about the future of the site and the measures that will be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring again. The prefecture is currently exploring options for the full restoration of the sewer, which is expected to take between five to seven years to complete. This includes plans to install multiple pipes to minimize the impact of any future damage.
The accident has also sparked discussions about infrastructure maintenance and the safety of public roads. With the ongoing search for the missing driver and the impending restoration work, the community remains hopeful for a resolution to this tragic event. As rescue efforts are set to resume, many are keeping a close watch on developments, praying for the best outcome for the missing driver.
