Oxford’s sinkhole increased by a third since Friday
Almost a week after it rapidly grew in size a sinkhole in Oxford’s Lions Park is continuing to get bigger.
“Overnight the sink hole has increased in size by one-third, giving it a diameter of approximately 100 feet,” Cumberland EMO co-ordinator Mike Johnson said Saturday. “The area of land that has fallen into the hole has predominately fallen from two sides stretching the hole into an oblong shape toward the water at both sides. Along with the soil a number of trees have also been consumed.”
Johnson said the hole is continuing to grow, noting new cracks that have developed northeast and southwest, some as far as 75 feet from the hole edge.
Much of the area around the hole appears to be solid ground but he cautioned anyone standing near the hole runs the risk of falling in with the ground beneath them.
With the growing size and public interest, 24-hour security has been put in place to keep people away.
“Some have disregarded the security protocols at night putting themselves at risk of injury or death. We ask that people respect the security fencing and stay clear of the area. The area of the Lions Park is restricted to authorized personnel only,” Johnson said.
Regarding the Oxford school closure Johnson there is one thing that must be made perfectly clear.
“The structural issue at the Oxford school has nothing to do with the events taking place at the Lions Park,” he said.
Due to the notoriety over the sinkhole, there has been an increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area and EMO and the town are asking drivers and pedestrians take special care when driving or crossing the road in the area.
Cumberland EMO continues to monitor the event and will issue an update at 3 p.m. daily.