Alton, Illinois – A shocking event unfolded in Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois, as a massive sinkhole, stretching 100 feet, suddenly opened up. This terrifying incident, captured on a nearby surveillance camera, showed the ground giving way near recreational fields, swallowing a light pole and creating a deep, gaping hole. The sinkhole, which emerged at 9:18 a.m., measured about 100 feet wide and 30 feet deep, according to Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes.
Haynes attributed the sinkhole to a collapsed mine deep underground, stating that New Frontier Materials was responsible for the incident. Fortunately, no one was harmed as there were no individuals on the field at the time of the occurrence. Haynes described the scene as resembling something out of a movie, with plumes of smoke billowing out as the ground collapsed.
Following the incident, a spokesperson for New Frontier Materials assured that the impacted area had been secured and would remain off-limits for the foreseeable future to enable inspections and repairs to be carried out. The company emphasized that safety was their top priority and that they would collaborate with the city to address the issue promptly and safely.
As a result of the sinkhole, Gordon Moore Park was temporarily closed for investigation. Sinkholes, which naturally occur when groundwater dissolves rock underground, are relatively common in certain areas. Instances can also result from mining activities, leaky utility lines, or the decay of buried materials, as per information from sources like the United States Geological Survey and Penn State Extension.
Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, such as a 40-foot-wide sinkhole near Knoxville, Iowa, which was found to likely stem from a collapsed limestone mine. This underscores the potential risks associated with underground activities and the importance of monitoring and addressing such issues promptly to ensure community safety and well-being.