Major incident declared after massive sinkhole ‘swallows canal boats’

A Tactical Co-ordination Group has responded

The incident is reported to have happened this morning in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch in Shropshire.

At least ten people had to be rescued following the incident Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A statement read: “Three boats had been caught in a developing sinkhole approximately 50 metres by 50 metres in size and crews helped more than 10 members of the public to safety."

Councillor Sho Abdul, told the Shropshire Star newspaper: “There are three or four canal boats that have been impacted by the sinkhole which rapidly happened. The lack of casualties is an absolute miracle.”

Reports from Sky News say that a sinkhole opened up after a canal landslip, causing the canal to drain and multiple narrowboats to fall into the hole.

A Tactical Co-ordination Group responded after a major incident was declared with officers from West Mercia Police in attendance at the scene.

A police spokesperson said: "A major incident had been declared in Shropshire following reports of a sinkhole affecting a canal in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch.

"Emergency services are currently on scene, and a multi-agency response has been set up, co-ordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG).

"There are currently no reports of any casualties, and residents are being assisted by the fire service. We ask that people avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

"Further updates will be provided when we are able to do so."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Shropshire FRS is responding to a landslip affecting the canal in the Whitchurch area.

"For everyone's safety, members of the public are kindly asked to remain away from the affected area, including Whitchurch Marina, while crews and partners manage the incident."

There are currently no reports of any casualties, and residents are being assisted by the fire service.

Sky News reported that, according to an image that the outlet had seen, it appeared that "a whole section of the canal completely drained of water", and that "two narrowboats appear to have fallen into the hole and are sitting on the canal bed."

One image on X appears to show the collapsed canal from the side.

Authorities have urged people to stay away from the area.