Perth Sinkhole Swallows Car
Driver escapes safely after sedan plunges into Perth sinkhole caused by burst water main
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Key Points
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The vehicle was identified as a Toyota Corolla, and the driver was able to exit safely after it became trapped while traveling through floodwater.
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Authorities said no ambulance was called because no injuries were reported at the scene.
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Residents were warned that the water could appear discoloured while repair work progressed, in addition to the temporary loss of supply.
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Water Corporation manager Paul Prottey said leaks and bursts are routine in a network of Perth’s size, but emphasized that a car falling into a road collapse is exceptionally unusual.
A Toyota Corolla fell into a large sinkhole on The Bridgeway in Canning Vale, Perth's southeast, around 4 a.m. Tuesday after a burst water main flooded and undermined the road. Perth Now reported the driver escaped without injury. Crews isolated the damaged main within 30 minutes and began vehicle recovery and road repairs, while about 10 homes lost water service temporarily.
Water Corporation manager Paul Prottey said the incident is "extremely rare," noting that while leaks and bursts are routine in Perth's large water network, vehicles falling into road collapses almost never happen. SMH reported authorities are investigating the cause and whether similar risks exist elsewhere, particularly given the pipe's proximity to a gas main.
How a Sedan Disappeared Into The Bridgeway
The sinkhole opened early Tuesday morning after a burst water main flooded The Bridgeway near Gateway Boulevard. The driver navigated through floodwater in the dark when the road suddenly collapsed. The Age reported the Toyota Corolla fell into the hole and became trapped. No ambulance was called because no injuries occurred at the scene.
Emergency crews responded quickly. WAToday confirmed the Water Corporation isolated the damaged main within 30 minutes of arriving. Workers then removed the vehicle and began repairing the damaged road surface. Traffic restrictions remained in place during the operation.
Water Supply Cut Off for Nearby Residents
About 10 homes in the area lost water service during the burst and repair work. Brisbane Times reported residents were warned the water could appear discolored as repair work progressed. The temporary supply disruption affected homes near the burst site on The Bridgeway.
Authorities Launch Investigation Into Rare Infrastructure Failure
Officials are now examining what caused the burst and whether other similar risks exist in Perth's water network. The investigation is particularly focused on the proximity of the damaged pipe to a nearby gas main. SMH quoted Water Corporation manager Paul Prottey saying the collision between burst pipes and road collapse is "exceptionally unusual." Prottey stressed that while leaks and bursts are expected across a large network, vehicles falling into holes remain extremely rare.
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