03/12/2012 11:46
Japan orders tunnel inspections after Sasago collapse
The Japanese government has ordered emergency inspections of road tunnels across the country following a deadly roof collapse west of Tokyo.
Nine people were confirmed dead after concrete panels collapsed and started a fire in the Sasago tunnel, 80km (50 miles) from the capital on Sunday.
An inquiry into the Sasago collapse has also been launched.
Officials from the highway operator suggested that metal rods securing the concrete panels may have loosened.
Japanese media report that the ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism has ordered highway operators overseeing tunnels similar to Sasago to carry out emergency inspections.
The BBC's Rupert Wingfield Hayes in Tokyo says intrusive inspections of at least 20 tunnels of a similar age and design will now be carried out.