Homes evacuated after lorry plunges into massive sinkhole in Naples

Several homes have been evacuated after a lorry plunged into a massive sinkhole in Naples.

Much of the vehicle was left buried under dirt and rubble as a result of the collapse in the road, which also resulted in a broken gas pipeline, but the driver was rescued by firefighters.

Vigili del Fuoco, the Italian fire brigade, said nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that the driver was taken to hospital - and the road was closed and cordoned off after the incident.

Water and electricity have been cut off from the Casoria area of the southern city while police and other rescue workers investigate the scene, with the sinkhole measuring eight metres wide and 12m deep.

The cause of the sinkhole is not yet known.