OSAKA - A massive steel pipe that suddenly emerged from underground in Osaka’s Umeda district was finally cut and removed on March 24th, bringing the two-week-long incident closer to resolution and paving the way for traffic restrictions to be lifted as early as March 25th.
Cutting work began at around 10 a.m. on March 24th to remove the portion of the pipe that remained above ground, following days of stabilization efforts.
According to reporter Sakura Koike: "About two weeks after the giant pipe first appeared, work has finally begun to cut away the remaining section."
The incident occurred on March 11th, when a steel pipe measuring 3.5 meters in diameter shot approximately 13 meters above the surface during sewer construction work on a street in Umeda. Two drivers passing nearby sustained minor injuries, including neck strain, after braking suddenly in response to the unexpected obstruction.
In the days that followed, Osaka’s construction bureau injected water into the pipe, gradually lowering it to about 1.6 meters above ground level. After confirming the stability of the surrounding ground, authorities proceeded with the cutting operation.
Traffic restrictions have remained in place around the site, including the continued closure of the Chayamachi exit on Shin-Midosuji. Osaka City plans to reassess safety conditions after the completion of the work and, if no issues are found, lift the restrictions as early as March 25th.
Source: YOMIURI
