Emergency services have declared a major incident after a large sinkhole caused a significant breach of the Shropshire Union Canal, leaving several narrow boats stranded and flooding surrounding land.
Early Morning Canal Collapse
The incident began in the early hours of Monday 22 December 2025. Fire Control received the first emergency call at 4.22am reporting a collapse of the canal bank in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch, Shropshire. Large volumes of water were escaping from the waterway onto adjacent land.
Fire crews from Whitchurch, Prees, Shrewsbury, Newport, Albrighton, and Telford were swiftly dispatched to the scene. They discovered a developing sinkhole approximately 50 metres long and 50 metres wide that had breached the canal.
Rescue Operation and Challenging Conditions
Three narrow boats were caught in the incident. Firefighters, working in difficult conditions with unstable ground and fast-moving water, helped more than 10 members of the public to safety. Scott Hurford, Fire Service Area Manager, confirmed that no one is believed to have remained on the affected boats and no injuries were reported.
The rescue teams established immediate upstream and downstream safety zones. They worked to mitigate the water flow using specialist equipment like barge boards and water gate systems.
Multi-Agency Response and Ongoing Impact
A major incident was formally declared at 5.17am. The response is being coordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group, involving a wide range of partners including West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, and local authority officers.
By 8.30am, the situation was described as stable with water flow reduced, and all search and rescue activity concluded. Approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats have been supported and relocated to a welfare centre set up at the former Whitchurch Police Station.
The focus has now shifted to managing the environmental impact, protecting nearby properties, and ensuring public safety. Authorities have urged people to avoid the area while the significant breach is addressed.
