4 workers vanish after sewage surge in manhole

updated 5:34 a.m. ET Aug. 5, 2008

TOKYO - Four people are missing after being washed away by a surge of sewage water while working in a manhole in downtown Tokyo.

Tokyo Fire Department spokeswoman Masami Komura said rescuers have found one of the five workers swept away. He was found floating unconscious in a nearby river. His condition is not immediately known.

She said a sixth worker was able to escape when the sewage water suddenly surged through an area where the men were making repairs in the city's southeast after heavy rains.

Komura says search and rescue efforts are continuing for the four missing workers.

A thunderstorm bringing heavy rain hit the Tokyo area Tuesday and flood warnings have been issued.

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