Society

Driver feared trapped in Nara landslide

NARA, Dec 26 (News On Japan) - Nearly two days after a landslide hit a national highway in Shimokitayama Village, Nara Prefecture, rescuers are still unable to reach a man in his 70s who went fishing and is presumed trapped under the mud.

The landslide covered a section of National Route 169 with debris extending about 5 meters high and 30 meters wide, completely blocking the road.

A woman from Wakayama Prefecture has alerted authorities that she has been unable to contact her father, who had departed for a fishing trip to Kumano in Mie Prefecture.

A small truck with a 53-year-old male driver who was trapped in the rubble was rescued after seven hours.

The man, who was conscious and able to speak, said that there were about three cars driving ahead of him, with rescuers fearing these vehicle may also have been trapped in the landslide.

According to Nara Prefecture, this site had previously collapsed in May due to rain, and protective fencing was installed, reducing two lanes to one.

Source: FNNプライムオンライン

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