A significant sinkhole emerged in the heart of Sydney's central business district on Friday, following the rupture of a water pipe during intense rainfall. The incident occurred at the intersection of College Street and Prince Albert Road, where the cavity grew large enough to engulf a Coles delivery truck entirely.
Immediate Impact and Response
The sinkhole's formation led to immediate disruptions, with ten local businesses experiencing water supply cuts. Students from St Mary's Cathedral College were sent home early as the plumbing issue affected the school's operations. Sydney Water crews swiftly arrived on scene to manage the situation.
Vehicle Recovery and Safety
Tow trucks successfully extracted the trapped Coles delivery vehicle from the sinkhole. Although the truck sustained tyre damage, the driver emerged unharmed and was able to exit safely without injury.
Weather Conditions and Broader Effects
The sinkhole incident coincided with severe weather across Sydney, including a 100mm downpour over three hours from Thursday night into Friday. This heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, prompting 42 rescue operations by emergency services.
Transport and Infrastructure Disruption
Major transport arteries experienced significant congestion, with thousands of commuters stranded on roads including Anzac Bridge. Sections of Parramatta Road were closed entirely, adding to the city's travel chaos during the Friday rush period.
Official Statements and Ongoing Work
A Sydney Water spokesperson confirmed that crews were excavating the site and had isolated the main water pipe to begin repairs. Prince Albert Road remains closed with diversions in place to facilitate safe repair work. The spokesperson expressed gratitude for community patience while apologizing for the inconvenience caused.
Emergency Services Overwhelmed
New South Wales State Emergency Service reported over 650 jobs in the past 24 hours, with 44 specifically for flood rescues. The busiest affected areas included Strathfield, Greenacre and Fairfield, with 57 jobs still outstanding across Sydney at the time of reporting.
Additional Weather-Related Concerns
The severe rainfall prompted NSW SharkSmart to issue an urgent warning about increased shark activity along coastal areas. Murky waters following heavy rain create ideal conditions for ambush predators, while nutrients and fish flushed from rivers may attract more bull sharks to beach areas.
Property Damage Assessment
Most emergency service requests involved flood rescues, inundated properties, leaking roofs and fallen trees. The unexpected severity of the storm caught many residents and authorities by surprise, according to NSW SES representatives.
