A NUMBER of homes were evacuated after a “massive” 50ft sinkhole opened up in the middle of a brand new housing estate.
Council officials declared a “major incident” after the road surface suddenly collapsed in Darwen, Lancashire, yesterday morning.
MEN MediaSeven homes were evacuated after the road surface collapsed[/caption]
MEN MediaA ‘major incident’ was declared after the sinkhole emerged[/caption]
MEN MediaThe area was cordoned off by police with a huge emergency response at the scene[/caption]
Emergency crews were scrambled to Greenfield, off Pole Lane, and ordered seven homes to be evacuated.
It comes after heavy rain battered the region on Saturday leaving roads in the region flooded.
The incident has since been stood down by officials at Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Residents told LancsLive how they were “not surprised at all” after concerns had previously been raised.
Locals had flagged issues about the development being built on a former mining area.
One person, who has lived on nearby Rudyard Drive for 25 years, said: “We are not surprised at all.
“There has been issued with this land for years and years in terms of drainage and coal mine shafts underground.
“It seemed to us they just wanted to build houses wherever they can in Darwen and we are are not surprised.
“I just feel really sorry for the people affected and I hope they can find somewhere to go.”
The local authority said: “A major incident that was declared following the appearance of a sinkhole has now been stood down.
“This means that the amount of support required from emergency services has been reduced.
“However, the incident is still ongoing and Blackburn with Darwen Council will continue to work with partners and specialists at the site.
“The council’s priority is the safety of all residents in the area, and six homes remain evacuated in Green Field, off Pole Lane.
“The council is supporting these families. A road closure is also still in place for Green Field.
“Pole Lane remains open. This is a live and ongoing incident, further updates will be shared if required.”
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed drones had been used to monitor the situation.
The service previously said: “At 07:21am on Sunday, one fire engine from Darwen Fire Station, along with the drone unit, attended an incident involving a sinkhole on Green Field, Darwen.”
MEN MediaLocals had flagged issues about the development being built on a former mining area[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
