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Cars devoured by sinkhole in New Mexico displacement.

An unsuspecting New Mexico home reveals a hazardous chasm. A sinkhole in Las Cruces swallows two cars whole, forcing neighbors to flee.

Published May 7, 2024 at 1:56pm by Emilee Coblentz


Las Cruces sinkhole swallows two parked cars; neighbourhood evacuates

A New Mexico family had a rude awakening when a sinkhole opened up in their driveway, swallowing two cars. The City of Las Cruces confirmed the incident occurred Monday night, and firefighters evacuated nearby residents as a precaution. No injuries have been reported.

I didn't feel or hear anything, but my parents did. They said there was a loud rumbling and thought nothing of it. They didn't realize anything happened until I told them.

Dorothy Wyckoff, neighbour

City press release | USGS on sinkholes | American Geosciences Institute

The sinkhole is 30 ft. wide and deep, and the cause is unknown. Engineers will investigate, and traffic will be limited on Regal Ridge Street until it's resolved.

What is a sinkhole?

The USGS defines a sinkhole as a "depression in the ground with no natural external drainage." They often occur in regions with certain types of rocks that can be dissolved by groundwater. States like Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania are known hotbeds.

The Las Cruces community is now awaiting answers and relief as they deal with the unexpected disaster.


Read more: Sinkhole in Las Cruces, NM swallowed two cars, forced residents to leave their homes