In Osaka, Japan, a giant underground pipe unexpectedly rose more than 10 meters (32 feet) out of a construction site overnight, nearly reaching an elevated road.

Pedestrians reported seeing asphalt break off as the 3.5-meter-wide (11.5-foot) pipe jutted up, causing traffic disruptions and baffling onlookers.

The pipe had been part of a sewer construction project to connect a drainage channel and act as a retaining structure during work.

Officials said draining water from the pipe likely caused it to float, and firefighters later lowered it by injecting water into the side, the AP has reported.

City crews plan to cut the remaining 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) of the pipe, requiring several more days of road closures.