Four Workers Die in Japan After Falling Into Manhole Near Tokyo

Four workers tragically died in Japan after falling into a manhole while inspecting sewage pipes, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

Incident Details

The local fire department reported that the workers were checking sewage pipes when the first worker fell into the manhole. The subsequent three men fell while attempting to rescue him.

Rescue teams detected hydrogen sulfide gas—which is highly toxic in concentrated amounts—emanating from the manhole.

Response and Investigation

Officials from Gyoda City have refrained from commenting on the cause of the initial fall. A city official, speaking anonymously, stated:

“Detailed circumstances leading up to the accident are still unknown, so it’s too early for us to say anything about our responsibility.”

The four men were recovered from the manhole and transported to hospital, where they were pronounced dead, according to local media reports.

This incident follows a significant sinkhole collapse in January near Tokyo, which swallowed a truck driver. The collapse was caused by corroded sewage pipes and triggered a nationwide inspection campaign.

In the current incident, approximately 10 workers were on site, tasked with inspecting and cleaning sewage pipes of wastewater and sludge as necessary.