Sinkhole Swallows Cars In Chatsworth, Forcing Dramatic Rescue

CHATSWORTH, CA — A sinkhole opened up in Chatsworth Monday night, swallowing two cars and four people, trapping two. Firefighters couldn't immediately get to the victims because of the precarious state of the roadway, but as the road quickly deteriorated, crews were forced to conduct a "high angle rope rescue operation" to save them, authorities said.

In the end, all four people who fell into the sinkhole made it out alive.

The sinkhole was reported just before 7:30 p.m. at 11414 Iverson Road. One car fell atop the other, according to authorities. Two people were able to climb out on their own, but two others remained trapped as the road continued to collapse above them.

"The road is completely compromised and unpassable to traffic nor is it able to support emergency vehicles," said Margaret Stewart, a spokesperson for the fire department. "Firefighters slid ladders down to the two patients working to self-extricate out of their vehicles in the hole."

But as conditions worsened amid torrential downpours, the rescue operation was running out of time.

"Firefighters then secured the vehicles to limit shifting, which had already occurred twice. The road was continuing to sluff and deteriorate, necessitating an immediate rescue to save their lives," Stewart said. "Firefighters conducted a high-angle rope rescue operation, using the aerial ladder, and safely extricated both patients."

Both were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The sinkhole fully cuts across the southbound side of Iverson Road, and the entire road is compromised, according to authorities.

All drivers are advised to avoid the area.

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