A major incident has been declared in Godstone, Surrey, after a second sinkhole opened up on a residential street, forcing dozens of families to evacuate amid fears of potential explosions from exposed underground utilities.
The latest sinkhole emerged near the site of a massive 65-foot (20m) wide crater that first appeared on Monday evening on Godstone High Street. Emergency services were called back to the scene after reports of further ground instability and concerns over compromised water and gas lines.
Mass Evacuations and Utility Disruptions
At least 30 homes have been evacuated, and Godstone High Street remains closed as authorities work to stabilize the area. The sudden appearance of the sinkholes has left many residents without water, with Thames Water setting up emergency water stations for affected households.
Surrey County Council Assistant Director for Safer Communities, Carl Bussey, confirmed the severity of the incident: “We are working closely with emergency services, utility companies, and our colleagues at Tandridge District Council to ensure the safety of the public. The situation remains dangerous due to exposed cables and compromised water pipes, and we urge residents to stay away from the area.”
Fears of Explosion and Further Collapses
Emergency teams have voiced concerns about the stability of the surrounding area. With exposed gas lines and fragile water mains, there are fears that further collapses could trigger an explosion or additional sinkholes.
One anonymous local, who has lived in the area for five years, described the anxiety of waiting to be evacuated: “We were without water for hours. It finally came back at 3 AM, but the fear of another collapse is overwhelming. The sinkhole keeps growing, and it’s terrifying to think our home could be next.”
Response and Next Steps
Surrey County Council and the Tandridge District Council have set up emergency accommodations for those displaced. Highways diversions are in place as road closures stretch across Godstone High Street and nearby roads.
“We understand the disruption this is causing,” said Bussey, “but safety is our top priority. Engineers and geologists are working round the clock to assess the ground stability and begin repairs.”
The Local Resilience Forum will continue to meet daily to coordinate the emergency response and keep the community updated.
What’s Causing the Sinkholes?
While the exact cause remains under investigation, initial assessments suggest that heavy rainfall, soil erosion, and years of traffic pressure may have contributed to the collapse. Experts are also examining the area’s subterranean infrastructure, looking for signs of compromised water and sewage pipes that could have weakened the ground.
Advice to Residents
- Stay away from the cordoned-off area until authorities declare it safe.
- Follow updates from Surrey County Council and local news for the latest information.
- Residents who need assistance with accommodation or water supplies should contact Tandridge District Council’s emergency hotline.
The community remains on high alert as teams work to assess the full extent of the damage and prevent further collapses.
