A massive sinkhole opened in southern Italy on Friday, in which at least three cars were swallowed and the power in the nearby hospital was cut short, authorities said.
Neighborhoods, including one for the recovery of Covid-19 patients, were evacuated, but officials apparently did not cause any injuries from the crater in Naples.
The Covid-19 home housed six patients and they were relocated, authorities said.
The sinkhole opened under the largely empty visitor parking lot of Hospital of the Sea. Electricity and water services were briefly interrupted, but backup systems continued operations.
“Honestly, we were also concerned about the collapse of all utilities and that the activity of the hospital could be in jeopardy,” said Regional Governor Vincenzo De Luca.
Thank God it did not happen. We had a power outage but electricity was restored and now we have no problem providing care. ”
The hole of 21,527 square feet was about 66 feet deep.
“It is almost certain that the rainwater of the past few days has caused the seepage that led to the collapse,” said Chief Fire Officer Cmdr. Ennio Aquilino told Sky News. “There will be further technical inspections, but the main hypothesis is this.”
The Associated Press contributed.