A sinkhole in Australia has opened overnight, and campers at the Queensland Rainbow Beach were lucky to get away quickly from it.
There were no casualties reported regarding this peculiar event, but the hole was able to take in a caravan, a car and tents. It was also the second sinkhole that appeared in four years. Authorities in the area have advised people to not get near where the sinkholes appear in case these holes expand further, BBC News reported.
The second sinkhole appeared at Inskip Point Campsite within Rainbow Beach. The sinkhole is around 328 feet (100 meters) by 328 feet (100 meters) with a depth of about 10 feet (3 meters). No injuries were reported, but an estimated 140 people had to flee the area immediately, 9 News Australia reported.
"Yep, can't believe we made it out," camper Melanie Wotherspoon said on a Facebook post, according to ABC News. "I thought we were goners for sure, was truly scary how fast it came into our campsite and swallowed it up."
"People were basically on the edge of it with their van, trying to madly get their vans out," said Sylvia Murray, according to ABC Australia.
Major sinkhole has occurred at the Inskip Point Camp Grounds. (Near Rainbow Beach) Appears no injuries with property...
Posted by Clayton's Towing on Saturday, September 26, 2015
Staff of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife have barricaded the area to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from gaining access to the site.
"There is a real possibility the hole could expand with ocean currents, so people are urged to avoid the area," senior ranger Dan Clifton said, according to The Guardian. "While we continue to assess the situation, our priority is public safety."
"Rangers and police have erected traffic barriers and warnings signs to advise beachgoers of potential risks."
People on vacation that have booked the MV Beagle campsite in advance can have their refunds settled or arrange alternative plans with the park officials.
