SFGate-11 March 2013
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — A family has been evacuated from a home in eastern Pennsylvania after the discovery of a large sinkhole that developed underneath their home.
Doris Jenkins says she heard a loud bang early Sunday morning and found part of her Bethlehem Township house had been swallowed by the earth. Jenkins, her daughter and granddaughter evacuated safely and fire officials have now declared the home uninhabitable.
Officials estimate the sinkhole is 25 to 30 feet wide and 10 to 12 feet deep. Now, crews are inspecting other homes near the property for similar problems.
Authorities couldn't immediately say if the cave-in was related to recent work on a township sewer line nearby. Township officials say the work was being performed last week on a line that dates to the 1970s.
