SPOKANE, Wash. – A Spokane recycling solid waste truck was traveling on a normal route when it suddenly fell into a hole.
According to the City of Spokane, the incident occurred earlier today on South Laura Street when the asphalt gave way underneath the truck.
A tow truck was able to pull the vehicle out of the hole following the incident.
The cause of the hole is believed to be a water main break in a 6-inch cast-iron pipe.
Originally installed in 1935, the pipe’s age likely contributed to the incident.
In addition to repairing the damaged pipe, crews inspected the surrounding sewer pipes and found no damages.
The pipe has been fixed and damages to the street have begun and are expected to be done by 4 p.m. today.
Officials explained that such breaks can wash away dirt and gravel that support the asphalt, leading to weakness and collapse.
Fortunately, the 40,000-pound truck only sustained cosmetic damage in the incident, and the driver walked away with no injuries.
