State of Emergency declared after sinkhole swallowed dump truck working to fix it

A town in New Jersey has declared a state of emergency after a sinkhole swallowed a dump truck and continues to grow. 

The incident happened on Monday, February 16th and Tuesday, February 17th in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. 

According to WFMZ69, the first sinkhole opened up at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Lewis Street on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, a dump truck was on its way to help in repairing the sinkhole when another one opened up 30 feet from the first, swallowing the truck. 

The dump truck driver was rescued from the truck and sustained minor injuries, which were treated on scene. Officials say this incident damaged a water main, leaving some residents without water. 

As of Tuesday evening, the town had halted all work on repairing the street and removing the dump truck as the sinkhole continued to grow. Officials say they must wait until the hole stabilizes to continue work. As a result, the town of Phillipsburg has declared a “state of local emergency.” 

Citizens are asked to report any changes in the roadway to the Phillipsburg Police Department. No further information has been released.