This Woman Was Just Hanging Up Her Laundry When A Sinkhole Opened Up Under Her Feet

Melbourne, Australia – A 45-year-old mom had to be rescued by firefighters after she was reportedly swallowed by a three-meter deep watery sinkhole while hanging up laundry.

Christina Beaumont said she floated and swam in the water at the bottom of the sinkhole for almost 30 minutes while crying out for help.

Fortunately, the neighbors heard her and immediately called the authorities.

The mother of six was then heaved out with ropes.

According to Paramedic Stephanie Palamberis, the victim was hanging out her washing in the backyard around 11:30 that morning when the ground opened up under her feet.

 “She fell with the dirt and mud, dropping about three metres and landing in waist deep water. At one stage her head was under the water. The woman told us she couldn’t touch the bottom of the hole, so was trying to swim and stay afloat, to avoid the risk of further mud collapses.” Palamberis also added, “The woman managed to attract attention of neighbors after about 30 minutes and emergency services were called.”

Luckily, Mrs. Beaumont was not injured in the incident.

The sinkhole was believed to be an old well which had not been backfilled properly, reports news.com.au

Residents were advised to stay indoors, says Operations Officer Paul Carrigg, explaining that it was a very unusual incident. “Fortunately the lady has escaped without injury though she was obviously shaken up. We have doorknocked all residents in the street and advised them to stay indoors until council engineers investigate further.”