Roads caved in near an underground construction site in Hiroshima City, western Japan, on Thursday morning, causing damage to nearby buildings. Officials have been urging people in the area to evacuate.
A section measuring about 40 meters north to south and 15 meters east to west collapsed in the city’s Nishi Ward. Eight buildings have tilted and cracks have formed.
Storm drains were being built about 30 meters underground near the area. City officials think this work may be related to the accident.
The city and the construction consortium held a briefing for local residents on Friday. They say a survey has found no new cavities, but residents within a 50-meter radius of the site should evacuate.
Forty-two people had evacuated the area as of Friday morning. They have expressed concern about the situation.