A major incident has been declared in Shropshire after a dramatic canal collapse saw a section of waterway swallowed by a massive sinkhole.
Dramatic Scene in Whitchurch
Emergency services rushed to the scene in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch on the morning of Monday, 22 December 2025. Dramatic pictures shared on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, by BBC Midlands Today show a gaping hole where the canal once was, with water and debris having vanished into the cavity below.
The scale of the collapse prompted authorities to declare a major incident, coordinating a multi-agency response to secure the area and assess the damage. The incident was reported at approximately 10:49 AM.
Response and Investigation Underway
Teams are now working to understand the cause of the sudden ground failure and to prevent further damage to the local infrastructure. The focus is on ensuring public safety around the unstable area and beginning the complex process of planning repairs.
While no injuries have been reported, the breach represents a significant failure of local infrastructure. The canal, a historic feature of the landscape, is now severed, with the full environmental and structural impact still being evaluated.
What Happens Next?
Residents and canal users are being urged to avoid the vicinity as investigations continue. The declaration of a major incident means resources from various emergency services and local authorities are being prioritised for the response.
Key questions remain about what caused the sinkhole to form and how long repairs will take. This breaking story is developing, and further updates are expected throughout the day.
