"Suddenly Sucked In"... Driving Unaware of 'Sinkhole' Occurrence Leads to Flooding

On the 10th (local time), a vehicle fell into a sinkhole that occurred at a road intersection in El Paso, Texas, USA.
[Photo by YouTube capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A harrowing incident occurred in the United States where a vehicle fell into a sinkhole that suddenly opened on a road.

According to major foreign media on the 12th (local time), on the 10th, a driver fell into a sinkhole at an intersection in El Paso, Texas, USA.

The sinkhole is reported to have been caused by a burst water pipe buried underground, which ruptured the road due to the pressure. At the time, the driver did not notice the sinkhole at the intersection and drove into it, resulting in the accident.

Fortunately, with the help of firefighters who responded to the report and about 10 nearby residents, the driver was safely rescued from the vehicle. Shortly afterward, the vehicle was swallowed by the sinkhole and submerged. The driver, who was transported to the hospital, was treated for minor injuries and discharged.

On the morning of the 9th, a sinkhole caused by overnight heavy rain appeared on the sidewalk near Sindebang Station in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, and workers are conducting emergency restoration work.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, sinkholes of various sizes have been occurring continuously in South Korea as well. Especially recently, frequent sinkholes have appeared due to ground subsidence caused by heavy localized rainfalls, requiring special caution.

According to Seoul City, on the 8th, when heavy rain poured, a total of four sinkholes occurred in Seocho, Gangnam, Yeongdeungpo, and Dongjak districts alone. On the 10th, a large sinkhole appeared in a residential area in Sinwol-dong, Yangcheon District. On the same day, a sinkhole large enough to swallow 2 to 3 adults appeared in the playground of an elementary school in Gwanak District.

There was also an accident where a commuter bus fell into a sinkhole, injuring passengers. According to fire authorities, around 5 a.m. on the 12th, a commuter bus traveling near Geumgok IC on Daewang Pangyo-ro in Geumgok-dong, Bundang District, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, fell into a sinkhole. This sinkhole was found to have been caused by soil erosion under the road due to previous heavy rains. Seven passengers in their 50s to 60s sustained minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.