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.

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 near Tokyo that swallowed a dump truck hole on Tuesday has now doubled in wide after combining with a second sinkhole as rescue workers continued their dig to reach the vehicle's driver.

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.