A massive sinkhole has opened up in a Hertfordshire cul-de-sac forcing residents to evacuate their homes. “We thought it was the water leak, but now we’re not so sure”.
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According to the Guardian, power and water has been cut off to the homes near the sinkhole.
Last month, a sinkhole estimated to be 200 metres long, 50 metres wide and nine metres deep at its deepest point, appeared at Inskip Point, near Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia, in one of the more dramatic examples of how sinkholes can appear with little warning.
Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety of residents in the area and minimise disruption and to resolve the situation as soon as possible“.
“Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Services were called to the scene at 1.30am this morning“, a spokespersons aid.
“Work was scheduled to fill it in this morning”.
Ten people from five different homes on Fontmell Close, St Albans, had to leave their homes in the middle of the night.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said it was too early to say when residents would be able to return to their homes.
“The children can walk to school, but when you’re a mum with four children it’s not easy”. It was inspected on Monday and barriers were put around the area before work was due to be carried out this morning.
St Albans City and District Council said it had declared a major incident and was arranging overnight accommodation for those in need.
Firefighters said the sinkhole, which is at least 32 feet deep, “opened up substantially” overnight and is now encroaching on three properties.
Batchwood Hall has been set up as an emergency base for the families affected.
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Sinkholes occur when water erosion underground causes huge cavities. In February, in Ripon, North Yorkshire, was left close to collapse after a hole was found underneath the structure. Sinkholes in this chalk formation are not uncommon’.
