A massive, 100-foot-wide sinkhole left a soccer field in southern Illinois partially collapsed, according to officials.
The sinkhole formed at approximately 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois, which lies over a limestone mine operated by New Frontier Materials, the company said in a statement to the Alton Telegraph.
There were no injuries as a result of the incident, officials said.
“No one was on the field at the time and no one was hurt, and that’s the most important thing,” Alton Mayor David Goins told the outlet.
Footage of the sinkhole forming shows a light pole, benches and the soccer field’s artificial turf being swallowed into the mine below.
The mine, which has a reported 40 to 50-foot thick ceiling, collapsed and resulted in the 100-foot-wide hole, officials told the outlet.
A sinkhole is seen in Alton Park, Ill., June 26, 2024.
618 Drone Service via Storyful
“The impacted area has been secured and will remain off limits for the foreseeable future while inspectors and experts examine the mine and conduct repairs,” New Frontier Materials’ spokesman Matt Barkett said in the statement.
“Safety is our top priority. We will work with the city to remediate this issue as quickly and safely as possible to ensure minimal impact on the community,” Barkett said.
Barkett said the mine collapse was reported, as required, to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.
ABC News reached out to New Frontier Materials for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Michael Haynes, Recreation Department director for Alton Parks, told First Alert 4 the mines, which have been active in the area for decades, have never been an issue for the park above.
“The mines have been here and in this area for decades and decades,” Haynes told the outlet. “It’s never been brought up before so I’m told it’s an anomaly. We’ll wait until the investigation is complete,” he said.
A sinkhole measuring 100 feet wide has caused a partial collapse of a soccer field in Illinois, leaving residents and officials concerned about the safety of the area. The sinkhole, which opened up suddenly, has raised questions about the stability of the ground beneath the field and has prompted calls for further investigation into the cause of the collapse.
The sinkhole, located in a park in a residential area, has left a gaping hole in the ground, swallowing up a large portion of the soccer field. The collapse has forced officials to cordon off the area and evacuate nearby homes as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, but the incident has left many residents shaken and worried about the safety of their neighborhood.
Sinkholes are a natural phenomenon that occur when underground water erodes the rock or soil beneath the surface, creating a void that eventually collapses. They can be triggered by heavy rainfall, changes in groundwater levels, or human activities such as construction or mining. While sinkholes are relatively common in some parts of the country, they can still pose a serious threat to property and public safety.
In the case of the soccer field collapse in Illinois, experts believe that the sinkhole may have been caused by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall and underlying geological conditions. The size of the sinkhole is particularly concerning, as larger sinkholes can cause more extensive damage and pose a greater risk to nearby structures.
Officials are now working to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action to repair the sinkhole and ensure the safety of the area. This may involve filling in the sinkhole with soil or concrete, stabilizing the surrounding ground, and implementing measures to prevent future sinkholes from forming.
In the meantime, residents are being urged to stay away from the area and exercise caution when walking or driving near sinkhole-prone areas. It is important for communities to be aware of the potential risks posed by sinkholes and take steps to mitigate those risks through proper planning and maintenance.
The sinkhole that caused the partial collapse of the soccer field in Illinois serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of being prepared for such events. By staying informed and taking proactive measures to address potential hazards, communities can help minimize the impact of sinkholes and other geological phenomena on their neighborhoods.
