SHROPSHIRE, England (FN) — A major incident has been declared after a huge sinkhole opened beneath the Shropshire Union Canal near Whitchurch, draining water, stranding boats, and forcing evacuations in the early hours of Monday.
The collapse occurred around 4:22 a.m. local time on December 22, 2025, when a section of the canal bank gave way, creating a sinkhole estimated at 50 meters (164 feet) wide. The breach caused water to gush into surrounding land, leaving narrowboats lying on mud and one vessel teetering dangerously over the edge.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service declaring a major incident. A multi‑agency Tactical Co‑ordination Group was established, involving police, ambulance crews, and environmental agencies. Officials confirmed that 12 people were rescued from nearby boats and relocated to welfare centers.
Authorities stressed that no casualties have been reported, but residents in the Whitchurch Marina area were evacuated as a precaution. Roads near the canal were closed, and the public was urged to avoid the site while engineers assess structural stability.
Witnesses described hearing a “thunderous crack” before water drained rapidly from the canal. “It was like watching a river disappear in minutes,” said one local resident. “Boats were left stranded in mud — it was surreal.”
Environmental agencies are monitoring the impact on local ecosystems, warning that sudden water loss could damage wildlife habitats. Engineers are also concerned about further collapses along the canal bank, raising fears of extended disruption to transport and tourism.
The Shropshire Union Canal, a historic waterway dating back to the 19th century, is a popular route for narrowboat tourism. The incident threatens to cause economic losses for local businesses dependent on canal traffic, particularly during the holiday season.
Local politicians have already raised questions about canal maintenance and government oversight. Critics argue that aging infrastructure has been neglected, and the sinkhole highlights vulnerabilities in Britain’s waterways. “This is not just a freak accident — it’s a wake‑up call about investment in public infrastructure,” one councillor said.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing shock at the scale of the collapse, while others criticized authorities for failing to anticipate risks. Social media posts showed dramatic images of stranded boats and drained canal beds, fueling debate about accountability.
As engineers work to stabilize the site, the incident has become more than a local emergency. For many, the sinkhole symbolizes the fragility of Britain’s infrastructure and the urgent need for investment in safety and resilience.
