Driver rescued from sinkhole in Wyoming

WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) - It was a dramatic scene.

A Pontiac SUV swallowed after the road opened up under it.

Arcelia Vazquez told 24 Hour News 8 she was traveling south on Clyde Park Avenue near 33rd Street about 1 a.m. Thursday when she hit the hole.

As the vehicle began filling with water, Vazquez said she remembered hearing safety tips on submerged vehicles that warn of pressure preventing doors from opening.

"For some reason, for a split second, that came into my mind."

So she threw her keys and phone out the driver's side window, and crawled out onto the roof.

Another motorist stopped to help. But the water was up to the good Samaritan's knees, and Vazquez was worried about the size of the hole. She could hear the water continue rushing in.

"I told her no, just stand back," said Vazquez.

Soon after, a Wyoming Public Works employee pulled up. Using equipment from his truck, he was able to build a makeshift bridge for Vazquez to climb down on.

Wyoming city officials say the hole was created when a 16-inch water main gave way.

Assistant Public Works Director Scott Zastrow wouldn't venture a guess on exactly how much water was flowing out of the pipe when it failed, but it was enough to undermine the earth beneath the roadway in a matter of minutes.

He says the near tragedy should serve as a reminder to motorists to avoid driving over a road covered with water.

"Whether it's rain or something like this, you don't know what the condition of that roadway is," said Zastrow.

Vazquez said she saw the water. But the vehicle ahead of her got through it. Since she was driving an SUV, she assumed she had plenty of clearance.

That's when the road gave way.

Clyde Park Avenue remains one lane in each direction as crews continue to repair the road, which should reopen sometime Thursday evening.