Emergency work continues on a massive sinkhole in
Bethlehem Township Monday morning. The 40-foot wide hole opened up Sunday
morning near the corner of 2nd Street and Wilson Avenue after a sewer line
break earlier in the week. One home has been evacuated.
"It's pretty upsetting to see your whole
driveway fall into a hole" said Inge Jenkins. The homeowner was told by police her home
was not safe and hey must leave immediately.
Her mother and teenage daughter who live with her spent the morning
gathering up boxes of clothes and pets to stay with other family members. Police told them to expect to be gone for 2
weeks.
"I wasn't thinking this is the way I'd be
spending my Sunday afternoon" Jenkins said.
Bethlehem Township officials say the 36 year old
16-inch iron sewer line burst at some point last week. A smaller sinkhole was reported on Tuesday
but that was stabilized. Utility crews didn't know how big the problem was
until Sunday morning. Crews spent all
day at the site trying to install a temporary sewer line.
"We have
geotechnical engineer that is going to analyze the entire area tomorrow
(Monday). He will let us know exactly what needs to be done" said Steve
Hunsberger, Director of Physical Plant of Bethlehem Township.
Courtney Smith who lives across the street from the
sinkhole watched from her driveway as utility crews brought in huge bulldozers
and lighting equipment to help repair the street. Police have told her she may
have to evacuate as well.
"Everybody in the house has bags ready to
go" said Smith. Families in the
area have been told crews will be working in the area for at least a week.
Meanwhile, more smaller depressions in the ground keep popping up in the area,
prompting a warning by local police.
"They said you should be safe unless you hear
creaking or smell sewage or the doors don't open then call 911" said
Smith.
Hunsberger says crews will be working through the
night and into next week to fix the sinkholes and hoping more holes don't open
up.
"It's
pure speculation. We didn't expect the see those holes until this morning. So
can it happen it could" he said.
Experts say limestone geography of the area is prime
for sinkholes especially during the damp season.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:25:38 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:28:48 GMT
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:13 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:13:08 GMT
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow.
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:27:47 GMT
A century-old community staple in Cherry Hill was up for auction Monday. The Woodcrest Country Club has experienced some financial problems recently, and after efforts from the township and the Freeholders
Cherry Hill's Woodcrest Country Club went up for auction Monday, with a pending sale in place after an offer from a Marlton-based developer.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:13 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:13:26 GMT
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:36:33 GMT
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Monday, May 20 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:22:16 GMT
Tuesday morning will feature another round patchy fog. It will be a mild and muggy start with temps in the mid 60s for the city and around 60 for the suburbs. Look for more clouds than sun with highs the low 80s. There could be a few spotty showers during the day.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:44 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:44:00 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Monday, May 20 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:30:03 GMT
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:05:22 GMT
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:32:24 GMT
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
Three people have been charged with taking bribes from a Chinese government-supported institution in exchange for restricted research from a New York University lab.
Three people have been charged with taking bribes from a Chinese government-supported institution in exchange for restricted research from a New York University lab.
Yellow caution tape surrounds the area where a sinkhole opened in Northampton County Sunday.
An official on site tells FOX 29 the hole is big enough to fit at least two cars inside.
The sinkhole opened underneath a driveway on the 1500 block of 2nd Street in Bethlehem.
