Sinkhole appears in Hemel Hempstead after weeks of rain
- 10 years ago
A 35ft wide sink hole has opened up in a suburban cul-de-sac, forcing homeowners to flee their properties.
Police officers cordoned off the road after the crater appeared at 7.30am following weeks of torrid rain and 17 homes were evacuated.
The sinkhole measured 35ft wide and 20ft deep in Oatridge Gardens, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, according to police.
A force spokesman said: "The hole, which is in a residential cul de sac, has mainly affected the road.
"However, seventeen properties have been evacuated for the safety of residents in the area.
"The hole is approximately 35ft wide and 20ft deep.
"Police are working with partner agencies, including Dacorum Borough Council, specialist structural engineers and utilities companies to assess the situation.
"The road, and surrounding roads, have been closed for the safety of residents and whilst agencies work at the scene."
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Police officers cordoned off the road after the crater appeared at 7.30am following weeks of torrid rain and 17 homes were evacuated.
The sinkhole measured 35ft wide and 20ft deep in Oatridge Gardens, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, according to police.
A force spokesman said: "The hole, which is in a residential cul de sac, has mainly affected the road.
"However, seventeen properties have been evacuated for the safety of residents in the area.
"The hole is approximately 35ft wide and 20ft deep.
"Police are working with partner agencies, including Dacorum Borough Council, specialist structural engineers and utilities companies to assess the situation.
"The road, and surrounding roads, have been closed for the safety of residents and whilst agencies work at the scene."
Get the latest headlines http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Subscribe to The Telegraph http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=telegraphtv
Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/telegraph.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/telegraph
Follow us on Google+ https://plus.google.com/102891355072777008500/
Telegraph.co.uk and YouTube.com/TelegraphTV are websites of The Daily Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.