Sinkhole Hits Close to Home (UPDATED)

On January 18, 2014, an 8-foot wide sinkhole appeared at the corner of East Jefferson Ave. and Randolph Streets in Downtown Detroit.  The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is located just a few blocks north of the sinkhole at 735 Randolph; the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center is in the immediate background; and General Motors is right across Jefferson in the Renaissance Center. 

Sinkholes are created when the surface layer of earth collapses, which can occur due to water erosion or the failure of man-made infrastructure, such as the collapse of a sewer main.  

This story was first reported here by MLive.com. 

Update (1/20):  The story of this sinkhole has gone international. The British newspaper, The Independent, is reporting on the story (here), and included a video of repair efforts. Repairs could take a week to complete.



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