Sinkhole Shocker: Abandoned Gas Line Causes Road Collapse in Hidalgo County

In an unexpected turn of events, a massive sinkhole emerged on Haranchina Road at Mile 14 in Hidalgo County, Texas, leaving residents and commuters in disarray. The sinkhole, measuring approximately 13 to 15 feet in diameter and 12 inches deep, was first reported by a resident who witnessed a truck become stuck in the gaping hole. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed and quickly received assistance from passersby.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Hidalgo County Commissioner for Precinct 3, Everardo Villarreal, confirmed that the report about the sinkhole was received around 10:30 a.m. Crews promptly closed off the affected section of the road to begin an investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that an abandoned gas line may have caused the collapse.

“There was a gas line mentioned—it was a line that had been abandoned, had no gas, or had not been used in a long time, and it also had not been maintained since it was abandoned,” Villarreal stated.

To restore safety, Precinct 3 employees worked tirelessly for six hours, using trucks and equipment to fill the sinkhole with caliche. The road has since been reopened, with officials assuring the public that it is safe for travel.

Resident Concerns and Calls for Action

Despite the temporary fix, local residents remain concerned about the long-term safety and reliability of the road. The use of caliche—a common but sometimes insufficient road material—has raised concerns.

“We just want this road to be fixed, that’s all. There’s so much traffic through the area. People need to commute daily, but they just come and do this. They need to add asphalt,” one resident lamented.

The community worries that the issue could recur, especially during rainy weather, unless a more permanent solution is implemented. Uncertainty about who owns the abandoned gas line—and therefore who is responsible for its maintenance—adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Next Steps and Ongoing Investigations

Authorities are currently investigating the ownership of the abandoned gas line to determine liability and to help prevent future incidents. In the meantime, Commissioner Villarreal and his team are closely monitoring the road to ensure its continued stability and safety for commuters.

As the community waits for a long-term resolution, this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining public infrastructure and proactively addressing potential hazards before they escalate.

Relevant Links

• Hidalgo County Official Website
• Texas Department of Transportation
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration