Sint-Truiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A truck sank into a sinkhole on Tiensesteenweg, Sint-Truiden, on 15th October at 7:45 AM. Mayor Ingrid Kempeneers confirmed the issue relates to a previous water leak, prompting evacuations and investigations.
A truck delivering screed sank into a sinkhole on Tiensesteenweg in Sint-Truiden around 7:45 AM. The vehicle was there for floor renovation work at a house that had previously suffered structural damage. Just weeks earlier, a part of the house’s floor had sunk due to a water leak. On 15th October, as the truck was about to make its delivery, the ground gave way, causing the truck to sink into the road. It was pulled away by 9:00 AM, but the incident caused significant disruption.
What caused the Sinkhole on Tiensesteenweg in Sint-Truiden?
According to Mayor Ingrid Kempeneers (CD&V), the sinking ground is likely related to the earlier water leak that affected the house. The owner was ready to lay a new screed for floor repairs, but the delivery was stopped when the sinkhole suddenly appeared. The same water issues under the house may have spread to the road, causing the truck to collapse into the sinkhole. Authorities are investigating further to determine the cause.
Fluvius, which manages the sewer system, has called in a special company to check the sinking ground and see how serious the problem is. Mayor Kempeneers said the issue is that the pipes are located under the building, while they are usually found on public land. They are now working with the owner to find a way to access the area. As a safety measure, residents of the nearby apartments were taken to the Gazometer site for food and drinks. Temporary accommodation has been arranged for them in hotels or holiday homes. The building has been declared unsafe and sealed off, but traffic on Tiensesteenweg will not be affected.
