A massive sinkhole opened up in the middle of a mountain road during a rainstorm. It suddenly formed and swallowed two full cars on Mines Road near Lowell on April 20 2013. The vehicles fell 5 feet straight down before sinking another 20 feet. The cause could be a violent flashflood that would have uprooted a plastic culvert and the asphalt on top, thus creating a 30 feet wide and about 25 feet deep sinkhole.
The two cars pictured at the bottom of a 25-foot chasm that opened up in the middle of Mines Road in Lowell, Vermont.
Officials believe a quick rainstorm caused a flash flood, which was too violent for a 5-foot plastic culvert installed in the road to handle. As a result, the conduit uprooted and the asphalt on top gave way, opening into a sinkhole 30 feet wide and about 25 feet deep.
At the time of the accident, it was dark and raining hard. It was impossible to see the washout in the middle of the road.
Aftermath: cars are destructed but people are safe (bumps, bruises and a broken arm).
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It goes without saying that I am glad that no one was seriously injured and that the family, although shaken up, is okay. Praise God for that and for a Mayor that has clearly taken ownership of the situation. It’s nice to see a politician with integrity who realizes that protecting the citizens and visitors of Lowell is far more important than saving a buck or using political speak to downplay the city’s liability.
Correction: I meant Road Commissioner Peon, not Mayor.
Wow. I just got back from Lowell. I didn’t hear about this. Strange weather. One day it rained early morning, then snowed until late afternoon and then it was sunny and warm. It’s hard for a Southern Californian to know how to dress for a place like that. Beautiful place and friendly people though.
If anyone reading this is in the area, head over to Cajuns (in Hyde Park…a short drive on route 100) for a delicious burger and fries (and other yummy foods….some of which will surprise you) or take a short drive to Newport and head to the hardware store, Pick & Shovel, for a delicious “creamy” Sundae or cone. They also serve regular hard ice cream. (A creamy is what we westerners call, soft serve, but way better taste and quality than a DQ).
Since you’ll already be there, mosey into the Pick and Shovel to experience a truly one stop shopping extravaganza. You can even get toys, shoes, maple syrup and clothing there…and hot coffee and snacks.
If you have office needs grab your coffee and head over to The Front Page and let the friendly, patient (we needed that) staff give you personal assistance for your printing, shipping, arts & crafts or office supply needs.
Leave there and be charmed by the scenic waterfront beauty of Newport. Then head on back to the tranquil, quiet and rustic beauty that is Lowell…but watch out for those sink holes!