Tunnel collapses in Japan

On the morning of December 2, a partial collapse occurred in eastern Japan, in the Sasago tunnel on the Chuo Highway. As a result of the collapse of the ceiling, several cars were buried under the rubble (their exact number has not yet been established), one caught fire. Due to the fire, the tunnel is filled with smoke, which complicates the work of rescuers.

The police have already discovered the bodies of the victims in the tunnel. “Several burnt bodies were found inside the car,” Interfax reports , citing a local police representative. The number of deaths has not yet been specified. According to preliminary data, 8 people were trapped in the tunnel. Two managed to get out on their own. They were sent to the hospital.

Photo: Reuters

The 4.7-kilometer-long Sasago Tunnel is located 80 kilometers from Tokyo and is one of the longest in the country. At the moment, the bulk of rescuers have been temporarily withdrawn from the tunnel due to a new threat of ceiling collapse.