Sinkhole Swallows Volkswagen SUV in Galveston, Texas: Driver Shares Experience

Driving through a sinkhole can be a terrifying experience, as one Volkswagen driver found out recently in Galveston, Texas. John King was driving his SUV when he thought he was driving through a puddle, only to find himself sinking into a sinkhole. The incident occurred at the intersection of Avenue M and 22nd Street in Galveston, where a broken water main under the surface caused the sinkhole.

King’s immediate reaction was “this isn’t right.” He continued, “I guess when the mud came in I said, ok, we’re really off course here… this could be bad.” During a trip to the market, he thought he was driving through a puddle that ended up being deeper than he expected. According to KHOU 11, he rolled down his window to ask a bystander what happened. “I think the road fell out from underneath you… call 911” was the response he received. Ironically, King himself works as a 911 dispatcher for a living.

The incident caused significant damage to King’s Volkswagen SUV. Crews are still in the process of fixing the broken water main, and as such, the intersection is now closed to traffic. King says that his insurance company is working to get him back on solid ground in his VW.

Sinkholes can occur suddenly and without warning, causing significant damage to vehicles and property. In this case, the sinkhole was caused by a broken water main under the surface. The situation looks more photoshopped than real as the water level is calm and similar to the road level.

Secondary Header: What Causes Sinkholes?

Sinkholes are depressions or holes in the ground caused by the collapse of surface material into underground cavities. They can occur suddenly or develop slowly over time, depending on the cause. Sinkholes can be caused by natural or human-made factors, including:

– Natural factors: Sinkholes can be caused by natural factors such as erosion, weathering, and the dissolution of rocks and minerals. These processes can create underground cavities that eventually collapse, causing sinkholes to form.

– Human-made factors: Sinkholes can also be caused by human-made factors such as mining, drilling, construction, and groundwater pumping. These activities can alter the natural landscape and create underground cavities that are prone to collapse.

Secondary Header: How to Avoid Sinkholes

While sinkholes can occur suddenly and without warning, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of encountering one. Here are some tips to help you avoid sinkholes:

– Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with news and weather reports in your area. Sinkholes can be caused by heavy rain, flooding, and other natural disasters.

– Be cautious when driving: If you encounter standing water on the road, slow down and proceed with caution. It’s not always easy to tell if a puddle is just a puddle or a sinkhole in disguise.

– Watch for warning signs: If you notice any signs of sinkhole activity, such as cracks in the ground or foundation, sinking or settling of the ground, or changes in the water level, contact a professional immediately.

– Maintain your property: Proper maintenance of your property can help reduce the risk of sinkholes. This includes regular inspections of your foundation, drainage systems, and landscaping.

Secondary Header: What to Do if You Encounter a Sinkhole

If you encounter a sinkhole while driving, here are some steps you can take to stay safe:

– Stay calm: Try to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. This will help you maintain control of your vehicle and avoid further damage.

– Call for help: If you’re able to do so safely, call 911 or your local emergency services for assistance.

– Turn on your hazard lights: Turning on your hazard lights can help alert other drivers to the situation and prevent further accidents.

– Exit your vehicle: If you’re able to do so safely, exit your vehicle and move to a safe location away from the sinkhole.

– Stay away from the sinkhole: Sinkholes can be dangerous, so it’s important to stay away from them until emergency services arrive.

In conclusion, sinkholes can be a terrifying experience for drivers, causing significant damage to vehicles and property. While they can occur suddenly and without warning, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of encountering one. If you do encounter a sinkhole, it’s important to stay calm, call for help, and stay away from the sinkhole until emergency services arrive.