San Antonio Fire Department officials closed off part of Quintana Road, in the 8400 block in southwest San Antonio, as they worked to recover the body of a woman after two cars disappeared into a large sinkhole Sunday night.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office identified Reserve Deputy Dora Linda Solis Nishihara as the woman who died after being trapped in the sinkhole which stretched the width of the street and was filled with about 12 feet of water.Officials said the roadway opened up and swallowed the vehicles with their passengers after a large sewer line overflowed.“Our rescue team members faced very dangerous conditions with an unstable sinkhole collapsing around them, and swift moving sewer water,” said SAFD Chief Charles Hood.SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT: Video of the vehicle extraction
"My heart and prayers go out to the family involved in this tragedy," said Mayor Ivy R. Taylor. "The fire department, TCI and SAWS have been working to secure the scene of the sinkhole and will remain there until all repairs have been made."
A 60-year-old man who also dropped into the sinkhole was rescued by a man and woman passing by and he was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
The San Antonio Water System, which manages the sewer lines, says the sinkhole is expanding and sits adjacent to a 96-inch sewer line. City and water officials are trying to determine exactly what happened. Further investigation can start once the hole can be stabilized and drained.
“We must identify the origins of the problem that caused yesterday’s sinkhole incident, the City, in conjunction with the San Antonio Water System will find answers that are not yet clear today," said City Councilman Rey Saldana in a statement issued Monday afternoon.
