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A massive sinkhole has opened in a southern Illinois soccer complex built over an operating limestone mine, swallowing a light pole and leaving a large hole in the ground. Luckily, no injuries were reported as no one was on the field at the time. The sinkhole, estimated to be at least 30.5 metres wide and 15.2 metres deep, was caused by surface subsidence at the underground mine, according to New Frontier Materials, the mining company responsible.
The park and roads around it have been closed indefinitely as inspectors and experts examine the mine and conduct repairs. The company is working with the city to remediate the issue as quickly and safely as possible to minimalize the impact on the community. Engineers and geologists will likely be involved in determining the stability of the ground and surrounding areas. The collapse has been reported to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Alton Mayor David Goins expressed relief that no one was hurt in the incident. Security footage captured the dramatic moment when the sinkhole opened, sucking in a soccer field light pole, benches, and artificial turf. The city’s parks and recreation director, Michael Haynes, described the event as surreal, comparing it to a scene from a movie where the ground suddenly gives way. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with building structures over limestone mines.
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Photo credit www.cbc.ca
