A major incident has been declared after a huge sinkhole opened up beneath a canal in Shropshire, causing two narrowboats to fall into the crater and leaving a third teetering on the edge. The sinkhole, measuring approximately 50 metres by 50 metres, began to develop at 4.22am in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch on the Llangollen Canal.
Firefighters rescued 14 people from three narrowboats after the section of canal where they were moored completely drained of water. Crews battled 'unstable ground and rapidly moving water' during the rescue operation. No injuries have been reported, but residents have been urged to avoid the area.
Bob Wood, 75, who has lived on his boat for eight years, described his escape after the vessel was swallowed by the sinkhole. He said he woke to find the boat tilting and heard the sound of rushing water. He opened the back door to see the water draining away and jumped off just as the boat descended, landing on his front.
Councillor Andy Hall, representing Whitchurch North, said the priority is to house and support the 14 evacuated residents, especially given the time of year. 'It is Christmas, so all their belongings, their life is there and our duty is we have to put our arm around them and look after them at this time of year,' he said.
A multi-agency response has been set up to manage the incident, with efforts focused on stabilising the area and caring for those affected. The cause of the sinkhole is under investigation.
