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More than 10 people have been saved after a lot of effort sinkhole opened into a canal in ShropshireWhich left many narrowboats stuck in a hole or teetering on the edge of a drop.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident on Monday morning after a “significant breach” on the Shropshire Union Canal in Chemistry, Whitchurch.
Three boats got stuck in development sinkholeIt measures 50 meters in length and width, according to the service, which said its officials rescued more than 10 people. Aerial images show a boat partially hanging above the collapse of the hole.
Employees were working in difficult conditions, on unstable ground and at high speed water flowing into the surrounding landa spokesperson said. Meanwhile, safety zones have been opened around the sinkhole, but people have been asked to stay away from the area.
The fire service said it was working West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance ServiceCanal and River Trust and environmental agency On site.
West Mercia Police “There are currently no reports of any injuries and residents are being assisted by the fire service,” it said in a statement.
The Canal and River Trust said it had dammed the affected section of the canal and closed the area while the cause of the breach was investigated. The trust said it is also providing assistance to the affected seafarers.
Andy Hall, a councilor in Whitchurch, told the BBC People thought that an earthquake had occurred. He said: “We’ve got two boats at the bottom of the sinkhole that have fallen in, and we’ve got two boats teetering on the shore that could go in at any time.”
He said: “The most important thing is that the canal has been secured by fire and rescue. Their biggest concern was that the canal was going to burst even further and flood the city’s residents.”
Jason, who works at nearby Whitchurch Marina, said Independent Attempting to get boats out of sinkholes can be difficult. He said: “The issue is getting the equipment to the site [to remove the boats stranded]’Road access is difficult – many parts of the canal are difficult – so this can be a hindrance,’
The fire service said it was the first to receive reports of a large collapse on a canal bank Water Running into the surrounding land.
It said: “Three boats were trapped in a developing sinkhole approximately 50 meters by 50 meters in size and the crew helped more than 10 members of the public to safety.”
Fire service area manager Scott Hurford said: “We can confirm that there are no people on board the affected canal boats, and no injuries have been reported. Around 12 occupants of nearby moored boats are being supported and transferred to a welfare center at the former Whitchurch police station.
“A major incident was declared at 5.17am – however, by 8.30am the situation was stable and water flows had reduced, and no search and rescue activity was underway. A multiagency presence remains in place to manage environmental impact, protect nearby properties and ensure public safety.”
According to the British Geological Survey, “sinkholes can appear in a variety of sizes and settings depending on the composition of the rocks and various interacting processes”.
Heavy rainfall and flooding, as well as construction work, changes in water levels and natural weather processes can all trigger sinkholes.