This is the terrifying moment a huge sinkhole opens up in the middle of a road and swallows a moving pickup truck.

The incident took place in Joao Monlevade, Brazil, on 9th January.

CCTV footage shows how the tarmac appears sunken on a pedestrian crossing and begins to give way, finally leaving a gaping hole in the ground.

Seconds later, a pickup truck turns into the road and tumbles forward into the hole. It is left with its rear protruding from the sinkhole at a steep angle.

The unnamed driver is then able to clamber out of the vehicle through the window.

He can be seen throwing his hands into the air in exasperation as the clip ends.

Local media reported that the 24-year-old man got a shock but sustained no serious injuries in the accident.

He was sent to a local hospital with minor injuries after banging his head on the windscreen.

Authorities reported that the sinkhole was caused by recent heavy rains coupled with the heavy weight of passing vehicles.

Joao Monlevade City Hall said in a statement: “Several cities have been suffering from the intermittent rain of recent weeks and Joao Monlevade is also one of them.

“This afternoon [9th January], as reported, there was a weakness in the road’s rainwater and sewer systems, as can be seen in the various videos taken at the scene.”

Following the incident, the T-junction was closed to traffic and repair works were carried out.

The City Hall continued: “As there was damage to the vehicle, the owner of the [Volkswagen] Saveiro and the Legal Office of the City Hall are already dealing with the matter.”

A photo following the removal of the vehicle from the sinkhole shows how its bonnet was left completely mangled in the accident.