Sinkhole questions remain as PA residents leave damaged homes
Several Allentown, Pennsylvania, residents may be filing homeowners insurance claims after sinkholes appeared for unknown reasons underneath their homes last week.
Local reports say that the first sinkhole appeared on Thursday, causing substantial structural damage to multiple homes. Local officials filled the first hole with cement, along with a second hole discovered later. However, it's still unclear if two properties will need to be condemned.
"My understanding is that there were some voids created under those homes which resulted in the homes shifting," fire chief Robert Scheirer told the Morning Call.
At the same time the sinkholes were discovered, a water main also broke. Officials told the paper they aren't sure if the water main break caused the sinkhole or the other way around. According to the source, multiple residents said they were having water issues before the hole was discovered.
The situation highlights recent calls to action from lawmakers in the state. Last month, Senator Paul Casey called on officials to increase residents' awareness that sinkhole protection may not be included in standard Pennsylvania homeowners insurance policies.
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