Large sinkhole swallows car during severe weather outbreak in Calabria, Italy
A large sinkhole opened up on State Road 280 near Lamezia Terme in Calabria, Italy during a severe weather outbreak on October 21, 2024, causing traffic disruption and completely swallowing a car.
Large sinkhole swallows car amid severe weather in Calabria, Southern Italy on October 21, 2024. Image credit: StringersHub
- The region had been under an orange weather alert on Sunday, October 20, 2024, with severe storms and rainfall causing the road’s collapse.
- In response to the damage, especially in the industrial and agricultural sectors, Mayor Paolo Mascaro of Lamezia Terme announced plans to request a state of natural disaster.
- Emergency services and the Civil Protection are actively managing the situation.
A large sinkhole opened up on the Strada Statale 280 dei Due Mari (SS280) near the Lamezia Terme South interchange in Calabria, southern Italy on October 21, swallowing a car and causing traffic disruption on a key roadway connecting Lamezia Terme to Catanzaro and the region’s airport.
No one was injured in the incident, though the car was entirely engulfed by the large hole.
In Calabria, an orange weather alert had been issued for Sunday, October 20, particularly in the Ionian sectors, due to severe storms and heavy rainfall prediction.
The region experienced scattered to widespread precipitation, thunderstorms, and strong winds, with heavy showers.
Heavy rainfall, mudslides, and flooding from the region’s persistent bad weather all led to the road’s collapse.
In Calabria, the Municipality of Lamezia Terme is planning to request a state of natural disaster following severe weather that caused significant damage, particularly in the industrial area, impacting many agricultural businesses.
Mayor Paolo Mascaro stated that the city council will pass a resolution and submit it to the Calabria Region.
Immediate interventions were made in the most affected areas, including directing water to the sea and addressing damage in the city center and school buildings.
Evacuations took place in San Pietro Lametino and Ginepri, and the Civil Protection and Fire Department is coordinating continuous efforts to manage the situation, mainly focusing on mud-invaded homes and businesses.
References:
1 Sinkhole swallows entire car — along with passengers — on highway in Italy (video) – boing boing – October 21, 2024
2 Mayor Lamezia Terme, ‘we will ask for a state of natural disaster’ – ANSA – October 22, 2024
3 Severe Weather Alerts Issued Across Italy – The Messenger – October 20, 2024
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