A massive sinkhole opened up in Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois, swallowing a light pole and creating a dramatic scene between two recreational fields. The city of Alton, situated about 18 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri, witnessed this unexpected geological phenomenon, which has left the local community in awe.
Surveillance cameras captured the terrifying moment as the ground gave way, forming a sinkhole approximately 100 feet wide and 30 feet deep. The footage shows the ground splitting open around a light pole, which subsequently tumbled into the abyss, releasing plumes of dust and debris into the air. This sudden occurrence has left a significant mark on the park, home to several soccer and football fields.
Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes described the scene to NBC affiliate KSDK of St. Louis, saying, “It looks like something out of a movie, right? It looks like a bomb went off.” His description vividly conveys the shock and magnitude of the event. Haynes, along with other officials, has been assessing the situation to understand the extent of the damage and potential risks.