Large sinkhole makes road collapse, causes evacuations

OTTAWA, Ontario -- A mall and buildings around a major intersection near Parliament in Ottawa have been evacuated because of a large sinkhole.

The city of Ottawa said in a statement Wednesday the road collapse occurred at Rideau Street and Sussex Drive, not far east of Parliament. A van fell into the sinkhole but there are no reports of injuries.

The city says buildings in the area have been evacuated due to the smell of gas. The Rideau Mall, the Westin Ottawa, the Shaw Centre Convention Centre and a bookstore are among the buildings evacuated.

Water could be seen gushing inside the sinkhole but the water has since been shut off.

Power is out in the area.

The portion of the road is currently under construction.

In:
• Sinkhole