Sinkhole swallows street corner
Repairs in progress after burst pipe forms sinkhole in Reyno Ridge.
A massive burst water pipe brought residents of Reyno Ridge to a standstill yesterday, transforming Duiker Street into a treacherous riverbed. The crisis unfolded around 16:00, with reports of a severe water leak quickly escalating into a sinkhole nightmare by 18:00.
Despite warnings and danger tape, reckless drivers risked life and limb, speeding through the flooded area and over the gaping sinkhole. The municipality scrambled to respond, with repair crews on site since early Friday, August 02. No estimated completion timeframe has been given, leaving residents to face an uncertain wait.
“Yesterday afternoon at 16:12 I received a report from a member of the public informing me of a major pipe break in Duiker Street outside of Point C. At this point I had not realised just how major the pipe break was. I was shocked to arrive on site a short while after receiving the report and the damages were already quite visible and a sinkhole forming fast. Updates were sent out to the residents of Ward 18 informing them of the pipe break and sinkhole. Residents were advised to use an alternative route and danger tape was put up in an attempt to close off the road. Despite the warnings sent out and danger tape put up, there were still a number of residents that chose to drive through the danger tape. Council advised that repairs will be carried out today. Let’s hope repairs can be completed today at the start of the weekend and for a speedy recovery for Point C reservoir levels, “ commented Salome Kriel, ward councillor for the area.
The pipe burst threatens to leave several areas high and dry, including Witbank Extension 16, Del Judor extensions, Eden Park Retirement Village, Highland Mews Shopping Centre, and Klipfontein. Stay tuned for updates, and steer clear of Duiker Street for now – your safety depends on it!
Do you have a story to share?
Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490
- For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website www.witbanknews.co.za
- For more news and articles, like WITBANK NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
