Texas sinkhole threatens town

Nation & World News

A small building at DeLoach Vacuum Services hangs over the edge of a 600-yard-wide sinkhole, Thursday, May 8, 2008 in Daisetta, Texas. Geologists said a 260-foot-deep sinkhole that grew to the length of three football fields over just two days seemed to be slowing down Thursday, but that it could take months before it's clear whether surrounding areas are stable.

An overhead view of the sinkhole, already one of the largest on record.

The edge of a huge sinkhole, already one of the largest on record, is seen near Daisetta, Tex., on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. Since the rim of an underground salt dome collapsed and the ground cracked and gave way abruptly Wednesday morning, the hole has grown to about 600 feet by 900 feet and almost 300 feet deep, according to Sgt. Floyd Pearson of the Liberty County Sheriff's office, who measured it Thursday afternoon with his hunting rangefinder.

A truck falls into a giant sinkhole as a tractor is used to remove other equipment from the site Wednesday, May 7, 2008 in Daisetta, Texas.

A worker walks along the grounds of DeLoach Vacuum Services near the edge of a 600-yard-wide sinkhole, Thursday, May 8, 2008 in Daisetta, Texas. Geologists said a 260-foot-deep sinkhole that grew to the length of three football fields over just two days seemed to be slowing down Thursday, but that it could take months before it's clear whether surrounding areas are stable.

Residents in the small town of Daisetta sit on top of their truck by a pasture to catch a glimpse of a massive sinkhole that developed just outside town on Thursday, May 8, 2008, in Daisetta, Texas. From left are Ashley Riley, 15, Konner Strawn, 8, Kera Grieve, 2, and Sadie Strawn, 10.

Workers couple a hose to a storage tank to salvage its contents if the massive sinkhole swallows the container, Thursday, May 8, 2008 in Daisetta, Texas. Geologists said a 260-foot-deep sinkhole that grew to the length of three football fields over just two days seemed to be slowing down Thursday, but that it could take months before it's clear whether surrounding areas are stable.

1/7

A small building at DeLoach Vacuum Services hangs over the edge of a 600-yard-wide sinkhole, Thursday, May 8, 2008 in Daisetta, Texas. Geologists said a 260-foot-deep sinkhole that grew to the length of three football fields over just two days seemed to be slowing down Thursday, but that it could take months before it's clear whether surrounding areas are stable.

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: Masters Par 3 Contest brings player's families to Augusta National

PHOTOS: Masters Practice Rounds continue

PHOTOS: Masters practice rounds begin

Alerts

PHOTOS: Masters Par 3 Contest brings player's families to Augusta National

PHOTOS: Masters Practice Rounds continue

PHOTOS: Masters practice rounds begin

PHOTOS: Hills4ATL builds community at Piedmont Park, one hill at a time