The sudden formation of a massive sinkhole leaves a 100-foot wide and 30-foot deep hole in a public park, caused by a mine collapse.
On June 26, 2024, a shocking sinkhole appeared in Gordon Moore Park, located in Alton, Illinois, about 18 miles north of St. Louis. The sinkhole, which measured approximately 100 feet wide and 30 feet deep, was seen engulfing a light pole between two soccer and football fields. The dramatic moment was caught on a nearby security camera at 9:18 a.m.
The video footage showed the ground cracking open suddenly, causing the light pole to topple and sending plumes of smoke into the air. This event was caused by an underground mine collapse, as confirmed by local authorities. The mine responsible for the collapse is owned by New Frontier Materials, a company that operates deep underground mining operations in the area.
Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes stated that the sinkhole was a result of the mine collapse, and he described the scene as surreal. “It looks like something out of a movie, right? It looks like a bomb went off,” Haynes told NBC News. The hole left behind is not only alarming in its size but also a safety concern for the community.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the fields were empty at the time of the incident. The collapse occurred early in the morning, ensuring there were no visitors on the fields during the event. Haynes expressed relief that no one was harmed, given the suddenness and scale of the sinkhole’s formation.
A spokesperson from New Frontier Materials addressed the incident by confirming that the affected area had been immediately secured and is now off-limits. The company is working with officials and experts to examine the mine and make the necessary repairs. The safety of the community is being prioritized while the situation is investigated and remediated.
The company also reported the incident to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), as required by regulations. The spokesperson emphasized that the event is being taken very seriously, and efforts are being made to minimize the impact on the local community. City officials have assured residents that the situation will be handled carefully to ensure the area remains safe in the future.
