A major incident has been declared after a huge 50 metre ‘sinkhole’ swallowed a canal in Shropshire, with boats caught up in the terrifying incident
A major incident has been declared in Shropshire after a massive 50-metre ‘sinkhole’ engulfed a canal, trapping several boats. Shocking photos show a significant breach in the canal in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were alerted to a canal bank collapse with large amounts of water flooding into nearby land at approximately 4.22am. Three boats were ensnared in the rapidly expanding sinkhole, which measured roughly 50 metres by 50 metres, and crews assisted over 10 people to safety.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said for “everyone’s safety, members of the public are kindly asked to remain away from the affected area”, while crews and partners “manage the incident”.
Emergency services have launched a multi-agency response, co-ordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG). There are currently no reports of any injuries, and locals are being assisted by the fire service, according to West Mercia Police.
Whitchurch Town Council released a statment following the incident. A post on its Facebook page read: “We are very grateful to all emergency services, and partner agencies, for their swift response – and, thankfully, ensuring everyone is safe and well.
“Multiagency attendance remains in place to manage the environmental impact, protect nearby properties, and ensure public safety.
“Please allow them to continue to deal with the incident.”
A fire service spokesperson said: “Three boats had been caught in a developing sinkhole approximately 50 metres by 50 metres in size, and crews helped more than 10 members of the public to safety.
“Firefighters have been working in challenging conditions with unstable ground and rapidly moving water, crews immediately established upstream and downstream safety sectors and began mitigating water flow using barge boards and water gate systems.
“We are working with out partners on scene including West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service (including HART), the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, local authority emergency planning officers, and National Resilience.”
Area Manager, Scott Hurford added: “We can confirm no persons are believed to be on board the affected canal boats, and no injuries have been reported.
“Approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats are being supported and relocated to a welfare centre at the former Whitchurch Police Station.
“A major incident was declared at 5.17am, however as of 8.30am the situation was stable with water flow reduced and there is no ongoing search and rescue activity.
“Multiagency attendance remains in place to manage the environmental impact, protect nearby properties, and ensure public safety. Please avoid the area while we continue to deal with this significant incident.”
The Canal & River Trust has put an alert on its website.
It warns: “Please be advised that due to an incident, there is an emergency closure in place between Lock 6 Grindley Locks and Bridge 31A, Whitchurch By-Pass bridge.
“Please do not approach from either direction and we will provide an update in due course.”
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