24 July 2023 , 08:06
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A massive sinkhole has suddenly appeared in the middle of a busy road - and even swallowed up a car.
Police officers raced to reports of a vehicle falling into the hole on Sewall Highway in Coventry, West Midlands early this morning.
They remain on the scene after erecting a cordon, while drivers have been urged to avoid the area.
Severn Trent Water is working to resolve the problem with the road expected to be closed throughout the morning.
Dramatic pictures from the scene show a red car wedged inside the sinkhole, which opened up next to a pavement, and rubble strewn across the highway.
Giant sinkhole swallows truck as drivers keep ignoring road closed warnings
Officers remain on the scene after erecting a cordon to try and recover the vehicle (Coventry Telegraph)West Midlands Police said the incident happened at around 4am.
A force spokesman told Coventry Live: "We were called shortly before 4am to a report of a car falling into a sinkhole in Sewall Highway.
"Officers attended and closed the road so the car could be recovered and Severn Trent could work on the damage."
Stagecoach has also said that some bus services will be diverted.
The transport company tweeted: "Due to the closure of Sewall highway the service number 60 will be diverted via :- Bell Green road, A444, Heath crescent, Valley road and Blackberry lane in both directions."
A spokeswoman for Coventry City Council said: “Severn Trent Water have an emergency permit to carry out repairs on Sewall Highway where a sinkhole opened up due to a burst pipe.
“The road is currently closed, and is expected to remain closed until at least Friday 28 July. A diversion route is in place and residents are advised to follow the diversion signs in the area. Pedestrian access is maintained on the opposite side of the footway.”