Sinkhole opens on Camden Park street in Adelaide’s south

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A large sinkhole about 10m wide has sent sewage flooding into backyards and streets in Camden Park, in Adelaide’s south.

Sewage flowed into the backyard of three homes near the sinkhole in Mooringe Ave, and will need to be cleaned by authorities.

Local Allan Wilkey described how the hole gradually grew after wild weather lashed Adelaide.

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“On Tuesday it was probably about 3m x 2m, by the end of the day Wednesday it was a 10m-wide hole and 3m deep,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds and potential thunderstorms in metropolitan Adelaide on Thursday and Friday.

SA Water is investigating the cause of the sinkhole and will review CCTV of the surrounding pipes to understand their previous condition.

SA Water is looking to restore water supply to nearby residents and repair the affected road. Credit: 7NEWSA 10m-wide sinkhole has opened in Adelaide’s south Credit: 7NEWS

A spokesperson said crews were called at 11.40am on Wednesday and began repairing the sewer main, as well as disinfecting nearby footpaths and roads and helping clean homes.

Crews are also working to supply a number of homes with interim drinking water because mains-supplied water will be affected until Thursday evening.

The spokesperson said while sewer pipe repairs were complete, there was still ongoing work to reinstate the road.

“Three properties were impacted by sewage overflows as a result of the incident, and we are continuing to provide support to residents — including arranging cleaners to return their properties to the state they were in before this incident and covering any out-of-pocket expenses,” the spokesperson said.

“A vacuum truck, along with cleaners, attended all three properties yesterday, and will return today to complete the final clean-up and disinfection of these properties.”

Road detours are in place between Deeds Rd and Fitzroy Ave while maintenance work is underway.

SA Water expects the affected section of Mooringe Ave to be closed until Friday.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this incident has had on our customers and road users, and ensure them we’re working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs,” it said.