Massive 100-Foot Sinkhole Swallows Light Pole in Illinois Park

On a fateful Wednesday, a massive sinkhole, stretching approximately 100 feet, suddenly opened up in Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois. The incident occurred at 9:18 a.m., creating a deep hole and swallowing a light pole situated among recreational fields. The shocking event was captured on a nearby surveillance camera, revealing the ground between two soccer and football fields giving way, causing the light pole to collapse and releasing plumes of smoke.

According to Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes, the sinkhole was a result of “a mine collapse deep underground,” for which he holds New Frontier Materials responsible. Fortunately, no individuals were present on the field at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. Nonetheless, the affected area has been secured and will remain off-limits while inspectors and experts examine the mine to conduct necessary repairs.

Temporary Closure and Ongoing Investigation

Gordon Moore Park has been temporarily closed for the sinkhole investigation, as confirmed by Alton Parks and Recreation on social media. The duration of the closure will depend on the completion of the investigation and repairs to ensure the safety of the community.

New Frontier Materials, the owner of the underground mine, has assured that the incident has been reported to the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) in compliance with regulations, emphasizing their commitment to safety. The company pledged to collaborate with the city to address the issue promptly and ensure minimal impact on the community.

Sinkhole Formation and Risks

Sinkholes are known to occur naturally when groundwater circulates underground and dissolves the rock beneath the surface, as explained by the United States Geological Survey. While they are common in certain areas like Florida, where limestone is prevalent, they can also result from human activities such as mining, leaky utility lines, or the decay of buried material.

The recent sinkhole in Illinois is not an isolated event, as a similar incident involving a collapsed limestone mine occurred last year near Knoxville, Iowa. This illustrates the potential risks associated with mining activities and the formation of sinkholes.