Emergency services have launched an investigation after a massive sinkhole triggered a major incident in Shropshire, causing a dramatic breach of a canal and swallowing three boats.
Emergency Response to Canal Collapse
The incident occurred on the Llangollen Canal near the New Mills Lift Bridge in Whitchurch during the early hours of Monday, December 22. A 'significant breach' of the canal bank led to large volumes of water flooding into the surrounding land.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at 4.20am after a 999 call from a narrowboat resident reporting significant water leakage. Crews faced challenging conditions due to unstable ground and fast-moving water.
Scott Hurford from Shropshire Fire Rescue Service provided an update from the Whitchurch canal basin. "At one stage we had over 50 firefighters on scene," he said. "We were faced with a breach in the canal wall and a number of residents who required evacuating from their narrowboats."
Residents Evacuated as Emergency Phase Concludes
Three narrowboats were consumed by the sinkhole during the collapse. All residents were successfully evacuated, with no casualties reported.
Mr Hurford confirmed that the emergency phase of the response was over within 12 hours. Displaced residents were initially taken to Whitchurch Fire Station while arrangements were made for temporary accommodation.
"I'm pleased to say that the emergency phase is over now," Hurford stated. Fire crews have now left the scene but remain on standby to support the recovery operation led by the local authority and the Canal & River Trust.
Recovery and Investigation Underway
The Canal & River Trust has taken over management of the site. Teams have dammed off the affected section, and the towpath and canal are closed to public access.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: "Our priority is the safety of boaters and those in the immediate area. We are carrying out initial investigations into the possible cause of the breach and will provide more details in due course."
The Trust has pledged to restore water levels and is offering support to affected boaters and local residents. Anyone whose boating plans, access, or business operations have been disrupted is urged to contact the Trust on 0303 040 4040 or via email at enquiries.westmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk.
