Sinkhole in Saitama Linked to Hydrogen Sulfide Erosion

In a recent statement, Saitama Governor Motohiro Ono addressed the findings of an interim report released by the Traffic Accident Investigation Team, which is investigating the sinkhole incident that occurred in Yashio, north of Tokyo, on January 28, 2023.

The sinkhole incident involved a truck that was swallowed by a hole in a prefectural road at an intersection. The accident was caused by the growth of an underground space created by the corrosion in a sewer pipe. Hydrogen sulfide was detected in corroded concrete fragments recovered from the accident site.

The interim report, released on September 5, 2023, did not definitively conclude whether the pipe ruptured before or after the road's collapse. However, it was found that the corrosion in the upper portions of the sewer pipe allowed small gaps for soil to leak into, creating a hollow space above.

Governor Ono emphasized the need for the central government's active role in addressing the issues uncovered by the accident. He also highlighted his commitment to securing the safety of the prefecture's sewer system and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

The governor also stated that the prefectural government will continue to ask the central government for active involvement in addressing the issues uncovered by the accident. The fact-finding panel set up by the prefectural government expects to release a final report by the end of the year.

The panel's final report is yet to be released, but the interim report has provided valuable insights into the cause of the sinkhole incident. The prefectural government will undoubtedly use this information to take necessary measures to improve the safety of the sewer system and prevent such incidents in the future.

The accident in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, is still under investigation, and the final report from the fact-finding panel is eagerly awaited by the public and the authorities alike. Governor Ono's statement came after the release of the interim report, and he reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of the prefecture's citizens.