Sinkhole Claims Local Gallery

MIAMI — On Friday, March 27, 2009, what appears to be a sinkhole opened up in Miami Beach on 5th Street and Collins Avenue, swallowing The Rising Star’s Gallery and nearby sidewalk. The businesses on either side of the Gallery, as well as that side of the street, have been closed while authorities determine potential danger. Witnesses reported an explosion accompanying the collapse of the building, but the cause is unknown at this time.

One city worker stated, “We don’t usually get them this far south, but look what happened on the beach last year. We got lucky that it just took one small building, especially in this area. If it had taken one of the high-rise condos, there would have been some serious injuries and hundreds left homeless.”

There was minimal damage to local sewer and water lines; however, utility crews will be monitoring the water for the next several days in the event of contamination.