Emergency work continues on a massive sinkhole in
Bethlehem Township Monday morning. The 40-foot wide hole opened up Sunday
morning near the corner of 2nd Street and Wilson Avenue after a sewer line
break earlier in the week. One home has been evacuated.
"It's pretty upsetting to see your whole
driveway fall into a hole" said Inge Jenkins. The homeowner was told by police her home
was not safe and hey must leave immediately.
Her mother and teenage daughter who live with her spent the morning
gathering up boxes of clothes and pets to stay with other family members. Police told them to expect to be gone for 2
weeks.
"I wasn't thinking this is the way I'd be
spending my Sunday afternoon" Jenkins said.
Bethlehem Township officials say the 36 year old
16-inch iron sewer line burst at some point last week. A smaller sinkhole was reported on Tuesday
but that was stabilized. Utility crews didn't know how big the problem was
until Sunday morning. Crews spent all
day at the site trying to install a temporary sewer line.
"We have
geotechnical engineer that is going to analyze the entire area tomorrow
(Monday). He will let us know exactly what needs to be done" said Steve
Hunsberger, Director of Physical Plant of Bethlehem Township.
Courtney Smith who lives across the street from the
sinkhole watched from her driveway as utility crews brought in huge bulldozers
and lighting equipment to help repair the street. Police have told her she may
have to evacuate as well.
"Everybody in the house has bags ready to
go" said Smith. Families in the
area have been told crews will be working in the area for at least a week.
Meanwhile, more smaller depressions in the ground keep popping up in the area,
prompting a warning by local police.
"They said you should be safe unless you hear
creaking or smell sewage or the doors don't open then call 911" said
Smith.
Hunsberger says crews will be working through the
night and into next week to fix the sinkholes and hoping more holes don't open
up.
"It's
pure speculation. We didn't expect the see those holes until this morning. So
can it happen it could" he said.
Experts say limestone geography of the area is prime
for sinkholes especially during the damp season.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:25:38 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:28:48 GMT
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:13 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:13:58 GMT
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:08:36 GMT
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:59:26 GMT
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Yellow caution tape surrounds the area where a sinkhole opened in Northampton County Sunday.
An official on site tells FOX 29 the hole is big enough to fit at least two cars inside.
The sinkhole opened underneath a driveway on the 1500 block of 2nd Street in Bethlehem.
