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Hemel Hempstead sinkhole causes houses to be evacuated Hemel Hempstead sinkhole causes houses to be evacuated
(35 minutes later)
A sinkhole estimated to be 35ft (9m) wide and 20ft (6m) deep has appeared in a suburban road, causing 17 houses to be evacuated. A sinkhole estimated to be 35ft (9m) wide and 20ft (6m) deep has opened up in a suburban road in Hertfordshire, causing 17 houses to be evacuated.
Hertfordshire Police said the hole in Oatridge Gardens, Hemel Hempstead appeared at about 07:30 GMT. The hole in Oatridge Gardens, Hemel Hempstead appeared at about 07:30 GMT.
Police say the hole has mainly affected the road, but people were asked to leave their houses for safety reasons. Structural engineers and utility companies are at the scene of the cul-de-sac to assess the situation.
Structural engineers and utility companies are at the scene to assess the situation. "It was a bit of a shock having the police knock on the front door at that time on a Saturday morning," said Max Green, who lives in a flat on the road.
"At the moment we are stuck," he said.
"The road is closed, we can walk out a side gate, but can't get out by car. I think we'll be stuck for a couple of days."
Demolition rumours
Mr Green said the hole opened up in the front garden of one of the houses that fronts on to the main road.
"When I looked out of the window... all I could see were lots of police and gas engineers.
"They were worried it could have caused damage to the gas pipes."
Resident Rob Wheatley said there was talk the house on the corner near where the had hole opened up would have to be demolished.
"A tree has also fallen in to it," he said.