Massive Sinkhole Appears At San Francisco Street After Houses Flooded

A giant sinkhole opened on a San Francisco street intersection following a ruptured water main break on Monday. Crews were working to repair the hole on Monday afternoon on Fillmore and Green streets, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission stated on social media.

What happened?

A reported break in a water main late Sunday evening led to a flood of water, mud and debris at Fillmore and Union, as shown in a video posted to social media.

Massive Water Main break on Fillmore and Union bringing debris down to steiner. @KTVU @abc7newsbayarea @kron4news @KPIXtv @KCBSAMFMTraffic - Business Flooded pic.twitter.com/dwqXgcv7TY

¡ª Union Street SF (@unionstreetsf) September 11, 2023

The sinkhole came after the 16-inch 75-year-old water main broke in the early morning hours. The break impacted an 8-inch water main as well, officials said. Authorities said crews with Pacific Gas and Electric were called in to assist in safely removing the slab covering the gas line.

On Monday morning, San Francisco police and Department of Public Works crews were at the intersection of Fillmore and Green, where the large sinkhole had opened up. Heavy equipment has been brought into the area.

Last night shortly before midnight, a 16-inch water main break was reported at Union and Fillmore Streets. SFPUC crews responded to the scene and worked through the night to stabilize the situation. @Stefani4CA @SF_emergency @SFMTA_Muni

¡ª SF Water Power Sewer (@MySFPUC) September 11, 2023

The broken water main was cast iron and had been installed in 1949.

Impact of the water main break

Officials said residents in the area near the break are experiencing intermittent water and temporary service interruptions. People are being asked to avoid the area as crews continue to make emergency repairs to the sinkhole.

However, residents who live near the sinkhole don't have much choice. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission acknowledged that the emergency repairs will likely affect residents and businesses.

At this point, they say it's all about ensuring the area is safe and asking for patience from locals. Authorities are saying the repair job could take a week or more.

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