Sinkhole swallows car in Liberty, Missouri

Image

© Unknown

    
A vehicle sank into a hole created by a burst water pipe under a hydrant in Liberty on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the water pipe broke after a vehicle involved in a crash hit the fire hydrant at South Withers and South Wales before 5 p.m. Wednesday, releasing about 7,000 gallons of water and eroding the street.

It appeared the silver sedan sunk several feet into the ground.

Liberty North High School senior Austin Oard said he swerved to avoid hitting another car and crashed into the hydrant. He said he and his 15-year-old sister got out of the car before the hole opened up.

"Instantly, yeah. You couldn't see the street because there was so much water covering it," Oard said.

While they weren't hurt, the car got the worst of it.

"My first car. It's my baby, and it's completely totaled," Oard said.

The crash and the recovery effort drew the attention of fans watching a soccer game at nearby Liberty Middle School.

"I was going to say, that is some fancy parking they did," said fan Jeff Niemann.

"My baby sister wanted to come see it, too," said spectator Conner Joseph.

Homes in the area were without water and power for a short time, drawing more people out to see the city crews working at the scene. Neighbors said it's the biggest thing to happen at the intersection in 20 years.

Firefighters said the hydrant won't be fully repaired until Thursday at the earliest, but they're not concerned because two other hydrants are nearby.

[embedded content]

Categories: