shropshirefire.gov.uk
A major incident has been declared after a large sinkhole opened up along a canal in Shropshire, leaving several boats either trapped inside a deep cavity or precariously balanced on the edge of a sudden drop.
Police said the collapse occurred along a stretch of the waterway in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch, where the canal’s structure appears to have failed completely. Images from the scene show a wide section of the canal bed giving way, with water draining out and exposing a large void beneath.
At least two narrowboats are believed to have fallen into the sinkhole after the collapse, becoming stranded as water rapidly disappeared from the affected section of the canal. Other boats in the area are reported to be at risk, with some seen leaning sharply toward the edge of the cavity.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were responding to what has been described as a landslip involving the canal embankment. Specialist teams have been deployed to assess the stability of the surrounding area and to ensure there is no further risk of collapse.
West Mercia Police confirmed there have been no reports of injuries. Officers and emergency services are working at the scene to secure the area, establish safety cordons and support people living nearby, including boat owners who may have been affected by the incident.
Residents and members of the boating community have been advised to avoid the area while investigations continue. Authorities are expected to work with canal operators and engineers to determine the cause of the collapse, assess the extent of the damage and plan repairs to the damaged waterway.
The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of other sections of the canal, and further inspections are likely to be carried out as a precaution.
About the Author
