A dangerous sinkhole opened in the asphalt courtyard of an apartment building in Turku on Saturday. A resident reported the hazard to emergency services immediately.
Rescue services confirmed the sinkhole on Itäinen Rantakatu street measures about 30 centimeters wide. The cavity beneath extends approximately 2 meters deep. Emergency crews quickly cordoned off the area for public safety.
No injuries resulted from the sudden ground collapse. Duty fire chief Joonas Lahdenperä said the location created serious risks. The sinkhole appeared near both the building's main entrance and emergency access route.
Lahdenperä noted the timely discovery prevented potential accidents. He speculated about the likely cause during his assessment.
A leaking pipe connection probably created the underground cavity over time. A stormwater drain sits directly beside the affected area. Water erosion gradually washed away soil beneath the surface.
Property maintenance will now repair the damaged area. Turku officials continue monitoring similar infrastructure concerns across the city.
This incident highlights aging infrastructure challenges facing many Nordic cities. While prompt response prevented harm, such occurrences raise questions about municipal maintenance schedules and underground pipe conditions in urban centers.