Sinkhole opens under Florida resort villa

BBC News, 12 August 2013

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A hotel near Disney World in Florida has partially fallen into a sinkhole, the latest such incident in the state.

Dozens of people were inside the 24-unit villa near Clermont as the ground gave way before dawn on Monday, but all were safely evacuated.

Windows broke and cracking was heard as the sinkhole, up to 60ft (18m) in diameter, began to open.

Much of the state straddles a system of limestone caverns that are subject to water erosion, causing them to cave in.

A 15ft-deep crater has opened in the ground beneath the Summer Bay Resort villa, which is about 10 miles (16km) west of Disney World, said local fire chief Tony Cuellar.

Luis Perez, who was staying across the road, told the Associated Press news agency: "You could see the building leaning, and you could see a big crack at the base of the building."

In March, a sinkhole beneath a house in the suburbs of Tampa, Florida, swallowed a man who was in his bed. His body was never recovered.

Sinkholes are common in certain parts of Florida, although most are small.

The state's law requires home insurers to provide coverage against sinkholes.