A twenty metre sinkhole has opened up on a residential street in St Albans, prompting homes to be evacuated.
The sinkhole, which is 10m deep, opened up in Fontmell Close at around 2am this morning.
At least 10 people have been evacuated and utilities have been cut off at 58 homes.
The gaping hole demolished part of a brick wall, and has left several cars trapped in driveways.
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 Bernard’s Heath.
The fire service said it was already aware of a small hole on Wednesday and it was due to be filled in, but it then received a call this morning to say it had "opened up substantially" overnight.
Batchwood Hall has been set up as an emergency base for the families affected.
Sinkholes are caused by an erosion of a rock's surface layer, often by water.
1/2 @StAlbansfire crews attended a sink hole on Fontmell Close, St Albans.
— Herts Fire Control (@HertsFRSControl) October 1, 2015
2/2 Crews worked with other agencies to ensure people were safely evacuated, gas and electricity supplies were isolated.
— Herts Fire Control (@HertsFRSControl) October 1, 2015
More to follow.
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