Hidden sinkhole opens as car passes, trapping 2 in rising water, Florida cops say

A sinkhole opened up just as a car passed over it in West Florida, leaving two people trapped in a growing pool of muddy water.

It happened Saturday, July 22, near a Target east of Destin on the Panhandle, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Photos show the car slammed to a stop when it hit the bottom of the pool before it continued to slowly sink until the front seat was completely underwater.

“Both occupants of this car were initially trapped, but able to get out with assistance,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook. “No reports of injuries at this time.”

Identities of the driver and passenger were not released.

Investigators say it happened after a waterline broke under 98 Palms Boulevard, causing dirt to wash away under the road. The car happened by just as the pavement reached its breaking point.

News of the incident rattled people on social media who frequent stores in the area. Many lauded the passersby who pulled the passengers free, while others wondered if sudden movements might cause the car to sink faster.

“Could you imagine? They(’re) just in the car like ‘Nobody move!’,” Jessica J. McTear wrote.

“I would have freaked out,” Joanie Allen posted.

“My worst nightmare!” Susan Fahn said.

Destin is about 50 miles east of Pensacola on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

This story was originally published July 24, 2023 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Hidden sinkhole opens as car passes, trapping 2 in rising water, Florida cops say."