(StraightShooterNews.com) – After suddenly emerging in the middle of a newly installed artificial turf soccer field in Alton’s Gordon Moore Park, a major sinkhole swallowed a section of the field.
Watch the video below.
The hole is at least 100 feet in diameter and over 100 feet deep, reaching close to a limestone mine operated by Bluff City Minerals.
This mine, which has been actively extracting limestone beneath this area of Alton for many years, lies next to the park’s west side.
Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes confirmed that fortunately no one was on the soccer field at the time of the collapse and no injuries occurred either above ground or in the mine below.
Echoing Haynes’ relief, Alton Mayor David Goins stated, “No one was on the field at the time and no one was hurt, and that’s the most important thing.”
Security footage captured the dramatic scene as a light pole and other equipment, including benches and the artificial turf itself, were pulled down into the newly formed chasm.
The sinkhole prompted park officials to swiftly secure and close off the surrounding area, including nearby roads.
Speaking for Bluff City Minerals under the banner of New Frontier Materials, Matt Barkett addressed the incident with a statement.
“The New Frontier Materials underground mine in Alton, IL today experienced a surface subsidence and opened a sink hole at Gordon Moore City Park,” he said. “The impacted area has been secured and will remain off limits for the foreseeable future while inspectors and experts examine the mine and conduct repairs.”
He added, “No one was injured in the incident, which has been reported to officials at the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) in accordance with applicable regulations. Safety is our top priority.”
“We will work with the city to remediate this issue as quickly and safely as possible to ensure minimal impact on the community,” Barkett concluded.
The sinkhole formed directly above the mine’s ceiling, which is 40 to 50 feet thick, leading to the vast 100-foot-deep cavity.
The quarry has a history of similar incidents. Decades ago, a collapse created a 30-foot-wide hole under a small creek that runs between the park and the quarry near Route 140.
At that time, efforts were made to reroute the creek until the necessary repairs could be made.
NEW: Surveillance footage captures the moment a 100 foot wide and 30 foot deep sinkhole swallows a soccer field in Alton, Illinois.
The footage shows bleachers and a light pole getting completely swallowed by the sinkhole at Gordon Moore Park.
According to local reports, the… pic.twitter.com/NPfgz6LLBH
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 27, 2024
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