A 100-foot-wide sinkhole unexpectedly opened beneath a soccer field in Illinois on Wednesday, triggered by a collapse at a nearby underground mine, according to officials.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. Surveillance footage captured the dramatic moment when the sinkhole emerged, engulfing a light pole on the field amidst a cloud of dust. Drone footage later revealed the significant crater that now occupies the center of the field.
New Frontier Materials, the parent company of Bluff City Minerals, acknowledged that the sinkhole resulted from a 'surface subsidence' at its underground mine in Alton. The affected area has been cordoned off and will remain inaccessible as inspectors and experts assess the mine's condition and carry out necessary repairs.
Despite attempts to reach out to New Frontier Materials for additional comments, no response has been received thus far.
Alton Mayor David Goins addressed the incident during a City Council meeting, emphasizing the fortunate absence of individuals on the field at the time of the sinkhole's sudden appearance. He expressed gratitude that no injuries were reported, highlighting the potential severity of the situation had people been present.
Mayor Goins announced plans for an independent geologist to evaluate the site and determine the extent of the damage caused by the sinkhole. As a precautionary measure, all activities at the park have been canceled until further notice.
