Petrol Station Vanishes into Massive Sinkhole in Cairo
In a terrifying incident captured on surveillance cameras, an entire petrol station in Cairo, Egypt, was swallowed by a massive sinkhole in mere seconds. The shocking event occurred on February 2, 2026, while customers were present at the site.
Desperate Flee for Safety
CCTV footage shows people desperately trying to flee by running or driving away as the ground began to crack and the building was pulled into the abyss. Several individuals were seen calmly standing and talking moments before the unexpected ground collapse, which left a 15-metre deep crater.
After the initial collapse, some people ran to the edge of the massive crater to assess the damage. A cloud of dust arose over the site as it plunged into the ground, eventually settling to reveal the horror scene.
Injuries and Hospitalisation
At least two people were inside the petrol station at the time of the incident. Both sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital. Egyptian media reported that victims suffered fractures and severe injuries, though it is believed both are now in stable condition following the event.
Possible Causes and Response
A preliminary report into the shocking sinkhole suggested that nearby excavation work at a construction site could have destabilised the ground and led to the collapse. Local police quickly rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area. Technical inspection work was initiated at the location to prevent a similar situation at neighbouring buildings.
Historical Context of Sinkhole Incidents
This is not the first time incredible footage has captured the destructive impact of sinkholes. In December of the previous year, drone footage showed the aftermath of a huge sinkhole opening up at a canal in Shropshire, which sparked a major incident.
Shocking images from that event showed two boats collapsing into a hole in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch, while a third sat worryingly close to the edge of a steep drop. The canal bank eventually collapsed, resulting in a large amount of water rushing across the surrounding land.
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the Shropshire incident. Liberal Democrat Councillor Sho Abdul described it as an "absolute miracle" that no injuries occurred. He praised emergency services, stating: "I just want to thank the fire service, police and the River and Canal Trust for everything they have done this morning. They have been fantastic at securing the area and making sure nobody was hurt. We were so shocked to see it - it was like an explosive had gone off."
The Cairo petrol station sinkhole serves as a stark reminder of the sudden and devastating power of geological events, particularly in urban areas where construction activities may compromise ground stability.
