Sinkhole Forms on Emerson Avenue Following Water Main Break

Crews from Citizens Energy Group worked to repair a broken water main on Emerson Avenue after it caused a sinkhole to open up during the morning commute.

"A water main break occurred near the intersection of 10th Street and Emerson Avenue at about 6:30 a.m., resulting in a cave-in of about 4-by-6-feet,"

Jennifer Stowers experienced the sinkhole firsthand when her car got stuck. "I didn’t see it, it was dark out and water was rushing on the road," she said. Despite trying to avoid the water, her car fell into the sinkhole.

Crews arrived to help, but Stowers had to climb out through the passenger side door and into icy water. "My tennis shoes were definitely not equipped for the water. My feet were soaked," she recalled.

The car was eventually pulled free by a tow truck. "The whole front driver’s side was crushed, water was rushing out. It even took a chunk of the road with it," Stowers said.

Crews stopped the flow of water and isolated the main break to complete the repair. As a result, nearby homes and businesses may experience temporary disruptions to their water service.

Repairs are expected to be completed by Tuesday afternoon, followed by work to restore damaged parts of Emerson Avenue. A lane restriction is in place on northbound Emerson Avenue, with drivers advised to exercise caution and consider alternative routes if possible.