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Sinkhole swallows car and caravan at Queensland's Inskip Point campsite Sinkhole swallows car and caravan at Queensland's Inskip Point campsite
(about 4 hours later)
A camper at a popular Queensland beach has described the terrifying speed with which a sinkhole swallowed a car, caravan and camping trailer.A camper at a popular Queensland beach has described the terrifying speed with which a sinkhole swallowed a car, caravan and camping trailer.
The sinkhole opened up at the Inskip Point camping area near Rainbow Beach about 11pm on Saturday, growing to about 100 metres by 100 metres and some three metres deep. The 150-by-50 metre sinkhole opened up at the Inskip Point camping area near Rainbow Beach about 11pm on Saturday. Authorities say the hole is now three metres deep and takes in a large part of the MV Beagle camp site.
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One camper, Melanie Wotherspoon, described the experience in a Facebook post. “Yep, can’t believe we made it out,” she wrote. “I thought we were goners for sure, was truly scary how fast it came into our campsite and swallowed it up.”One camper, Melanie Wotherspoon, described the experience in a Facebook post. “Yep, can’t believe we made it out,” she wrote. “I thought we were goners for sure, was truly scary how fast it came into our campsite and swallowed it up.”
A woman ran through nearby campsites, screaming at people to wake up and get out, the ABC reports.A woman ran through nearby campsites, screaming at people to wake up and get out, the ABC reports.
Police and SES crews raced to the site, where no one was reported injured or missing. It is believed up to 140 people were evacuated from the area and others were warned to pack up and get ready to leave. Police and SES crews raced to the site, where no one was reported injured or missing. Up to 140 people were evacuated.
The hole could be linked to a number of small earthquakes in the region in recent weeks. Staff from the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing are on the scene but it is unclear at this stage whether the camp grounds are closed. Queensland Parks and Wildlife staff have cordoned off the area to prevent vehicle and pedestrian access. Other camping grounds at Inskip Point remain open but people are being warned to stay away from the sinkhole.
In 2011 a similar sinkhole emerged at the same campsite, again with no injuries. “There is a real possibility the hole could expand with ocean currents, so people are urged to avoid the area,” said a senior ranger, Dan Clifton. “While we continue to assess the situation, our priority is public safety.”
Holidaymakers who have booked at the MV Beagle campsite can call park authorities for alternative arrangements or to arrange refunds.
The sinkhole is the second in four years at the spot, with a similar sized hole opening up in 2011.