NJ residents evacuated due to sinkhole nightmare: 'It's been a little chaotic'

PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. (WPVI) -- Several sinkholes are creating serious problems for residents in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Crews spent the day trying to stabilize Summit Avenue in Warren County, just over the border from Easton, Pennsylvania, where a massive dump truck plunged into a large sinkhole while en route to repair another collapse nearby.

A second vehicle was also swallowed by a separate hole farther down the street.

Local officials said the situation began Monday, when the roadway first buckled and trapped a vehicle, prompting repair work that revealed deeper problems beneath the pavement.

"During the repair of that sinkhole, bigger issues arose when a dump truck fell through the roadway. It kind of presented itself as a bigger issue," said Mayor Randy Piazza Jr.

Authorities said three sinkholes have opened in the area so far. Using ground-penetrating radar Tuesday night, crews identified at least three additional potential voids beneath the roadway across the neighborhood, though officials cautioned there could be more.

For now, the focus is on stabilizing and repairing the initial three collapses, where the road has already caved in.

"They repaired one. There's one that the truck's in. There's one at the actual intersection that is still dropping. It dropped about 5 to 6 inches from last night," Piazza said.

Seven homes have been deemed unsafe and evacuated, according to officials.

Power had been shut off to approximately 100 homes in the area as a precaution, but officials said it has since been restored.

About 30 homes are still without water service.

Crews are working to backfill and repair the damaged intersection as quickly as possible. Officials said the repairs are necessary not only to restore utilities but also to make the area stable enough to support heavy equipment needed to remove the dump truck from the sinkhole.

Residents described a stressful and chaotic situation as they cope with the disruptions.

"My youngest is two. So, it's been hard all morning to keep her warm and occupied and all the things. And I homeschool, so they are home with me. It's been a little chaotic of a morning," said Desiree Page of Phillipsburg.

Others said the loss of basic services has made daily life difficult.

"We are struggling, you know what I mean? There's no power. We can't flush the toilets. There's no water, can't do dishes. Can't cook. You know what I mean? So, everybody here is in a bind," said Erno Guray, who also lives in Phillipsburg.

The affected section of the town remains under a local state of emergency.

Piazza said it is impossible to predict exactly when conditions will return to normal, estimating the repairs could take several days or possibly a couple of weeks.