Two injured when truck falls in sinkhole

PORTLAND – A sinkhole engulfed a city of Portland truck Tuesday afternoon, sending two workers to the hospital.

The sinkhole – 10 feet deep, 15 feet wide and still growing – formed on a southeast Portland street at about 1:30 p.m., as the city employees were driving through the area to work on a sewer problem, said Kim Kosmas, a spokeswoman for the Portland Fire Bureau.

The workers were taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center with injuries not considered life threatening.

When the truck fell into the hole, it severed a gas and water line. Officials shut off gas in the area and crews were working to repair both lines.

Crews closed streets for several blocks and evacuated some residents. The sinkhole is next to an elementary school that is closed for winter break.

It’s unclear what caused the ground to give way.