Japanese authorities have asked hundreds of residents near Tokyo to evacuate as a sinkhole at an intersection grew to more than 40 meters wide, hampering rescuers racing to reach an elderly truck driver whose vehicle was swallowed by the hole.

Efforts to rescue a 74-year-old man trapped in a sinkhole near Tokyo have entered a second week, with nearly 1.2 million residents urged to cut back on water use, The Japan News reported Tuesday. Rescue teams are constructing a second slope to reach the truck driver, who remains trapped at a highway junction near the capital.

Another sinkhole has since opened up nearby, and residents within a 650-foot radius had been evacuated, a spokesman said.

Rescue teams are continuing efforts to rescue a 74-year-old man trapped in a sinkhole at an intersection in Yashio, Saitama, according to 'The Japan Times.' His vehicle was reportedly sucked into the approximately 40 meters wide and 15 meters deep sinkhole just before 10 a.

A sinkhole that suddenly opened up on a road just northeast of Tokyo and swallowed a truck has captured national attention as the rescue operation of the driver has dragged on for days.

Japan truck driver remains trapped in sinkhole as rescue effort enters third day. The status of the 74 year-old man, who has been in the hole since Tuesday (January 28) is unknown.