Dozens forced to evacuate after 50ft sinkhole engulfs housing estate

The enormous hole opened up in a housing estate in south Wales.


Dozens forced to evacuate after 50ft sinkhole engulfs housing estate + ' Main Photo'
The enormous hole opened up in a housing estate in Wales (Picture: WalesOnline)

Thirty homes on a south Wales housing estate have been evacuated after a huge sinkhole emerged in the middle of the road.

People are being urged to stay away after the 50ft hole appeared at Nant Morlais, Pant, Merthyr, today, December 1.

Council officers and police are on the site working with other agencies.

A statement from Merthyr Council said: ‘No further help or support is needed at this time but thank you to everyone who has offered it. Safety is our main priority.’

It is understood a small hole in the ground appeared on Saturday before tarmac was swallowed up overnight (Picture: WalesOnline) Locals have been advised to stay away from the area (Picture: WalesOnline)

They also issued a warning, saying: ‘To allow engineers to keep working safely, please stay away from the area.’

There was heavy rain in parts of Wales overnight, just days after Storm Bert caused devastation across parts of the country.

Local councillor David Hughes told the BBC it was believed a culvert had collapsed.

Mr Hughes said residents of Nant Morlais about 30 homes have been evacuated. The cul-de-sac has been closed and people are being advised to avoid the area.

It is unclear how long the street will be evacuated for.

A police statement said: ‘South Wales Police are dealing with an incident on Nant Morlais, Pant, Merthyr. The road is currently closed in both directions. Please avoid the area.’

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