A twenty metre sinkhole that appeared at 1am today (Thursday) has left 58 homes without water, electricity and gas.
The gigantic hole, which is said to be a whopping 10 metres deep, opened up in Fontmell Close, St Albans, just four metres away from two homes.
A small hole in the close appeared a ‘few days ago’ according to watch commander John Hudnott of St Albans Fire Service, but they originally thought this was due to a leak in a water main.
Families then heard a crash ‘in the middle of the night’ and looked out to see the road had collapsed.
He said: “They had a sink hole in Hemel this year or last but I’ve never seen one like this.”
People living in the close currently have no way of leaving their homes and instead can only leave by walking through someone’s garden and onto Bernards Heath.
Batchwood Hall has been set up as an emergency base for the families affected.
Watch commander Hudnott added: “I have absolutely no idea how long it’s going to take to get the power back on.
“We thought it was the water leak but now we’re not so sure.”
Photos and update to come.
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