Huge sinkhole swallows up passersby on street in China

A sinkhole on a street in Dazhou City, located in China's Sichuan province, opened up and collapsed, taking down four pedestrians with two declared dead.

Video of the incident shows the passerbys falling into the 10 square-metre sinkhole.

The rescue proved difficult due to a network of underground pipes beneath the street, requiring the use of heavy mechanical equipment.

Local media reported that fire officials suffered a second collapse during the rescue, but were helped to safety as they were harnessed with safety ropes.

Authorities are continuing their search and rescue operations for the two other pedestrians who have not been found.