A colossal sinkhole, measuring an astonishing 50 metres deep, has violently split a vital Illinois highway in two, sparking scenes of chaos and forcing startled motorists to execute perilous U-turns to escape.
The gaping chasm appeared on Highway 157 near the city of Alton, a region known for its historical limestone mining. The fracture is so severe that both directions of the road have been rendered completely impassable.
‘Extremely Dangerous’ Situation Unfolds
Local authorities were swift to cordon off the area, labelling the situation "extremely dangerous." Police and emergency services rushed to the scene to manage traffic and ensure no vehicles plunged into the abyss.
Shocking footage captured the moment drivers, confronted with the sudden void, were forced to stop and reverse away from the danger. The incident caused significant disruption during the busy afternoon period.
History of Mining Blamed for Collapse
Initial investigations point towards the area’s long history of underground mining as the likely culprit. The land beneath Alton is honeycombed with old mine shafts, which can sometimes collapse years after activity has ceased, leading to such dramatic subsidences.
Engineers and geologists are now assessing the stability of the surrounding ground to determine the full extent of the risk and plan a safe repair strategy. Officials have stated it is too early to provide a timeline for when the crucial road link might reopen.
Residents and commuters are being urged to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes until further notice.
