Major incident declared over large sinkhole

- BBC News

Major incident declared over large sinkhole

A council has declared a major incident after a massive sinkhole appeared in a high street in Surrey.

The hole first appeared in Godstone High Street late on Monday night, growing to at least 65ft (20m) long by Tuesday lunchtime.

A number of homes have been evacuated, with at least one garden falling into the hole.

By Tuesday morning, police had told residents in William Way to "get out as quickly as possible" over fears of an explosion caused by exposed cables.

Investigations remain ongoing to make the area safe and to repair utilities, Surrey County Council said.

Carl Bussey, the councils assistant director for safer communities, said: "Residents from within the cordon – around 30 properties – are being supported by Tandridge District Council with advice around accommodation."

The operation is now being managed by Surrey Local Resilience Forum, with Surrey County Council as the lead agency.

SES Water is to open a water station at 07:30 GMT for those that have lost supply.

Road diversions remain in place in the area.

Repairs are expected to take several months.

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