Not All Bad News at Oxford Sinkhole

There is good news and bad news about the sinkhole in Oxford.

The bad news is the hole is now about 36.2m by 38.7m, and the water level in the hole has risen about 6cm.

The good news is the rate of growth has slowed considerably in recent days, and the risk to town infrastructure and public safety has not increased.

The Oxford drama began nearly a month ago, but it cascaded into the news on August 20th when the sinkhole made its grand presence known for all to see. 

It first consumed a large tree and a picnic table with a roaring sound of rushing water. In the last ten days the hole tripled in size, approaching the Lions Club and the popular swimming park in Salt Lake.

As cracks began to appear in the Lions parking lot, officials began daily observations and measurements. It is those measurements that suggest the dangerous growth in the sinkhole has slowed.

The greater concern has been for public safety, as crowds of people descended on Oxford to snap a photo or catch a view. Early on, people were ignoring the yellow police tape that cordoned off the danger zone. Worse, traffic to the site increased dramatically and onlookers slowed down on Main Street to catch a glimpse while not paying attention to traffic.

All this happened as the town prepared for the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Cumberland County Exhibition, which ends today. People came from far and wide to enjoy the Ex, with a look at the sinkhole.

Police have repeatedly warned people to stay away from the site. They have often said that onlookers only added to the danger.

Emergency officials continue to take daily readings to record any expansion of the hole or danger to the town facilities.