Phillipsburg officials say repair work on several large sinkholes could take days or even weeks as crews continue to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the underlying cause. Local authorities are working closely with engineers and utility providers to determine whether additional ground failures could occur in the affected area.
Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. said the town is taking the situation seriously, noting that while the region sits on a substantial limestone deposit where sinkholes are not uncommon, the sudden appearance and size of the recent depressions are unusual. He described the rapid development of the sinkholes as concerning and emphasized that the priority is ensuring public safety while crews stabilize the area.
The situation escalated when one of the sinkholes grew large enough to swallow a dump truck at the intersection of Lewis and Summit streets. According to officials, multiple depressions began forming earlier in the week, and the roadway gave way during ongoing repair work. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, though the collapse highlighted the potential risks facing the community.
Some residents in the surrounding neighborhood reported losing power or water service as crews began emergency repairs. Piazza said investigators are examining whether the issue may be connected to a water main in the vicinity, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. Officials are reviewing both recent and older infrastructure work as part of the broader assessment.
Community members have also speculated about the possible role of historic mining activity in the region, though authorities have not verified any direct link. Engineers are continuing subsurface evaluations to identify voids or weak ground that could lead to additional sinkholes.
As a precaution, police officers went door to door in the affected neighborhood, asking residents to move their vehicles away from the danger zone. A small number of homes have been deemed unsafe, prompting temporary evacuations. Officials stressed that all other residents outside the restricted perimeter are considered safe at this time.
Police Chief Anthony Goodell said officers remain stationed around the site to maintain a secure perimeter and prevent pedestrians, particularly children, from entering hazardous areas. He added that maintaining strict access control is essential while repair crews and utility teams continue their work.
Town officials are urging residents to remain alert and immediately report any new ground depressions or roadway changes. The investigation and repair effort remains ongoing as Phillipsburg works to restore normal conditions and prevent further infrastructure damage.
