An Akron woman escaped safely after a water-main break created a large sinkhole that swallowed her car on Spicer Street. Felicia Stinson was driving Monday evening when she approached what appeared to be a large puddle in the roadway. As she moved closer, her vehicle began sliding into a deep hole. Stinson tried to reverse, but the car would not move. A neighbor rushed over and helped her get out of the partially submerged vehicle.
Water-Main Break Creates Dangerous Sinkhole
She was able to reach safety without being trapped inside. A towing company later removed the car from the sinkhole. Video showed water pouring from the vehicle as it was lifted from the crater. Stinson told News 5 Cleveland that she was sore after the incident but grateful to be safe. She also said a neighbor told her authorities had already been contacted about the water-main break before she drove into the area. According to Stinson, no barriers had been placed in the roadway at that time.
Driver Escapes With Help From Neighbor
Water-main failures can wash away soil beneath pavement, creating holes that may not be visible until the road surface collapses. The City of Akron has been dealing with a high number of water-main breaks. City officials have said the aging water distribution system is a major factor. Stinson is warning other drivers not to assume standing water is shallow or safe to cross. Her vehicle sustained significant water exposure, although the full amount of damage had not yet been determined. No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
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