Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                       7 Missing in Japan Tunnel Collapse

   by VOA News

   Japanese say at least seven people are missing after part of a highway
   tunnel collapsed early Sunday west of Tokyo.
   Television reports showed black smoke billowing from the 4.7 kilometer
   Sasago tunnel in Yamanashi prefecture, about 80 kilometers west of
   Tokyo.
   Firefighters put out the flames at 11a.m. (0200 UTC), about three hours
   after the accident occurred, but rescuers had to suspend work in the
   tunnel for fear of another collapse.
   Officials say two people were taken to a hospital with non-life
   threatening injuries.
   Japan public broadcaster NHK says one of its reporters was driving
   through the tunnel as it began to disintegrate behind him.  The
   journalist reported thick smoke and fire after making his escape.  The
   broadcaster reported a stream of people walking out of the tunnel after
   abandoning their vehicles.
   Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/japan-tunnel/1556864.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/japan-tunnel/1556864.html