In an astonishing and frightening event today, a massive 200-foot-wide sinkhole suddenly opened up in the parking lot of the Walmart store located on East Colonial Drive in Orlando, leaving shoppers and employees stunned and prompting an immediate evacuation.
The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. local time. Witnesses described hearing a loud rumbling noise before the ground beneath several parked cars gave way, creating a giant crater that swallowed multiple vehicles.
“I was in the store when we felt the building shake. When I got outside, I couldn’t believe what I saw — a huge hole where cars used to be,” said store employee Maria Gonzalez.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene to secure the area, assist with evacuations, and assess the stability of the ground. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, as the area was quickly cordoned off.
Geologists and city officials are investigating the cause of the sinkhole, which appeared without warning. Experts suspect it may be related to underground limestone erosion, common in Florida’s karst terrain.
“This is a significant geological event,” said Dr. Eric Mason, a geologist with the Florida Geological Survey. “Sinkholes can develop rapidly when the subsurface material dissolves, causing the ground to collapse.”
Walmart officials have closed the store indefinitely and are working with local authorities to evaluate the damage and safety concerns.
Nearby residents have been advised to avoid the area and stay alert for any further ground instability.
More updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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