A significant sinkhole in a Las Cruces neighborhood consumed two vehicles, leading to the temporary evacuation of residents from three homes. The incident occurred on the 1700 block of Regal Ridge Street, raising concerns among neighbors and prompting response efforts from local authorities and utility providers.

Emergence of the Sinkhole

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Las Cruces firefighters responded to reports of a sinkhole, discovering a sizable depression measuring about 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep. The sinkhole had engulfed two vehicles parked in a driveway, with firefighters noting ongoing settling upon their arrival. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident.

Neighbor Reactions and Evacuation Measures

Residents in the vicinity expressed shock and worry following the sinkhole event, reflecting on its potential impact on their own homes. Gordon Strawn, a neighbor, described feeling tremors in his residence during the incident. Another neighbor, Kaylee Stevenson, recounted retrieving belongings from one of the affected vehicles for a resident of the impacted home.

As a precaution, authorities evacuated occupants from the affected residence and two adjacent houses. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the affected family and their neighbors during the evacuation process.

Response and Road Closure

Las Cruces Utilities and El Paso Electric were summoned to assess and secure utilities in the area, ensuring the safety of residents and infrastructure. Regal Ridge Street was temporarily closed to traffic as city engineers and street crews worked to determine the cause of the sinkhole and evaluate road safety. Intermittent closures and utility service disruptions were anticipated as efforts to backfill the sinkhole and restore normalcy progressed.

Conclusion: Collaborative Efforts in Response

The sinkhole incident in Las Cruces underscores the importance of swift response and collaborative efforts among emergency responders, utility providers, and local authorities in managing unexpected events. As investigations continue to determine the cause and address safety concerns, residents remain vigilant while authorities work towards restoring normalcy to the affected neighborhood.

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Sources:

• KFOX14/CBS4
• Las Cruces Fire Department
• American Red Cross

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