Advertisement

Giant sinkhole on Italian street swallows dozens of cars

By Daniel Uria
About 20 cars fell into a sinkhole that opened up on an Italian street on Wednesday morning. Authorities believe the more than 600-foot long sinkhole was caused by a broken aqueduct pipe that released water, eroding part of the street. The area was closed off to prevent further damage but no one was injured.
 Screen capture/Sky News/Inform Inc.
About 20 cars fell into a sinkhole that opened up on an Italian street on Wednesday morning. Authorities believe the more than 600-foot long sinkhole was caused by a broken aqueduct pipe that released water, eroding part of the street. The area was closed off to prevent further damage but no one was injured. Screen capture/Sky News/Inform Inc.

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter

FLORENCE, Italy, May 25 (UPI) -- Dozens of cars were consumed by a massive sinkhole that opened up on an Italian street Wednesday morning.

According to the BBC, the 656-foot wide sinkhole opened up on a section of road near the Ponte Vecchio.

Advertisement

Investigations suggest a large aqueduct pipe broke releasing water that eroded the part of the road, causing the sinkhole which swallowed about 20 cars.

"This is almost certainly a phenomenon related to water infrastructure," Alessandra Biserna, of the National Geology Advisory said according to The Local.

No injuries were reported at the scene although the city's mayor, Dario Nardella, described the incident as "very serious."

Emergency services also arrived at the scene as they attempted to prevent any further damage to the surrounding area.

"The measures that are being taken right now are necessary," Biserna said of the decision to close off the area. "Also because of the potential impact on the surrounding infrastructure."

Latest Headlines