A dramatic sinkhole incident on a Shropshire canal prompted a major emergency response after several boats were pulled into the cavity, leading to the rescue of ten people.
Major Incident Declared After Canal Breach
Emergency services were called to a canal in the West Midlands after a substantial sinkhole, measuring approximately 50 metres in length, breached the waterway. The incident caused large volumes of water to discharge onto the surrounding land and created a perilous situation for vessels on the canal.
Dramatic Rescues as Boats Teeter on Edge
The force of the water pulled multiple boats into the newly formed cavity. Drone footage of the scene revealed the severity of the situation, with some vessels left teetering on the edge of a steep drop and others becoming stuck at the bottom of the hole. Despite the alarming scene, there were no reported casualties, according to West Mercia Police.
Ten People Helped to Safety
Responding crews worked swiftly to ensure the safety of those involved. Ten individuals were successfully helped to safety following the sudden ground collapse. The declaration of a major incident underscored the scale and potential danger of the event, mobilising significant resources to the site.
The cause of the sinkhole's formation is not yet known, and investigations are likely to follow as authorities assess the damage to the canal infrastructure and the surrounding area.
