Ten Rescued After Sinkhole Opens on Llangollen Canal in Shropshire
A major incident was declared after a sinkhole approximately 50 metres by 50 metres opened on the Llangollen canal near New Mills Lift Bridge in Whitchurch, Shropshire, early on 22 December 2025. The sinkhole caused large volumes of water to discharge onto the surrounding land, resulting in the collapse of the canal bank around 4:22am and prompting the emergency declaration at 5:17am.
Three canal boats were caught in the sinkhole, and emergency services assisted about 10 members of the public to safety. Ten people were rescued, and approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats were relocated to a welfare centre at the former Whitchurch police station.
By 8:30am, the situation stabilised with reduced water flow. Upstream and downstream safety sectors were established, and water flow was mitigated using barge boards and water gate systems. The Canal and River Trust is investigating the cause of the incident and coordinating with relevant agencies to restore water levels on both sides of the breach. No casualties have been reported.
