Emergency services declared a major incident in Shropshire after a significant sinkhole opened on a canal, leading to the rescue of more than ten people and causing substantial water loss.
Early Morning Breach Triggers Emergency Response
The incident began in the early hours of Monday 22 December 2025. Authorities received reports at 4.22am of a hole emerging along the Llangollen Canal near the New Mills Lift Bridge, close to Whitchurch. The breach caused large volumes of water to escape onto land in the Chemistry area.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three boats were caught in the developing sinkhole, which was approximately 50 metres by 50 metres in size. Fire service area manager Scott Hurford stated that over 10 people were helped to safety. He praised the narrowboat residents, noting they recognised the dropping water levels and began evacuating themselves before raising the alarm.
Multi-Agency Effort Secures the Scene
A major incident was formally declared at 5.17am. By 8.30am, the situation was stabilised, with water flow reduced and no ongoing search-and-rescue activity. The Canal & River Trust confirmed its teams were on site and had successfully dammed off the impacted section of the canal to prevent further water loss.
Approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats were supported and relocated to a welfare centre at the former Whitchurch police station. West Mercia Police confirmed there were no reports of any casualties or injuries.
Investigation and Ongoing Impact
Emergency services remain at the scene to manage the environmental impact, protect nearby properties, and ensure public safety. The Canal & River Trust said it is carrying out initial investigations into the cause of the breach and will seek to return water levels to normal as soon as possible.
Area Manager Hurford described the incident as "unusual," noting that while crews are experienced with flooding, a breach from a canal network is less common. He emphasised the fortune that no one was walking along the popular footpaths at the time, stating, "It’s very, very fortunate that there was no one at that particular moment walking a dog or walking along the footpath."
The public is advised to avoid the area while the multi-agency response continues to deal with this significant incident.
