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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Hemel Hempstead sinkhole causes houses to be evacuated | Hemel Hempstead sinkhole causes houses to be evacuated |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 of the cul-de-sac to assess the situation. |
| Dr Vanessa Banks, from the British Geological Society, said recent heavy rainfall had led to an "increased number" of sinkholes. | |
| Max Green, who lives in a flat on the road, said: "It was a bit of a shock having the police knock on the front door at that time on a Saturday morning. | |
| "At the moment we are stuck. | |
| "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." | "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 | 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. | 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," he said. | |
| "They were worried it could have caused damage to the gas pipes." | "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. | 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. | "A tree has also fallen in to it," he said. |
| Dr Banks said: "Sinkholes have not been caused by the weather, they are triggered by the weather. | |
| "The cause is the existence of a cavity at depth - be it artificial or natural - the trigger is actually that water passing through the ground. | |
| "At the moment this increased number (of sinkholes) is largely a result of the increase in rainfall." |