Texans living in million-dollar homes felt that sinking feeling Saturday after the ground suddenly collapsed in the middle of their gated community.
Suddenly, the ground in the courtyard of a Houston real estate development known as Memorial Green seemed to give way.
Photos from the Houston Fire Department show a grassy area and a nearby sidewalk sank about 10 feet during the collapse that appeared to occur without warning.
The ground moved around 8:30 a.m., prompting the evacuation of eight homes surrounding the condominium complex’s landscaped plaza. No one was injured.
The ground in the courtyard of a luxury Houston development known as Memorial Green suddenly appeared to give way Saturday morning.
The ground shifted around 8:30 a.m., prompting the evacuation of eight homes surrounding the condominium complex’s landscaped plaza.
Photos from the Houston Fire Department show a grassy area and a nearby sidewalk sank about 10 feet in the collapse, which appeared sudden.
Firefighters suggested that persistent rain may have contributed to the incident.
Construction engineers were on site assessing the damage late Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a huge hole. It’s a really big hole,” said resident Rick Mckee, shocked. ABC13.
Houston Fire Department Captain Beau Moreno explained how a cistern held back floodwater in the area.
After a large amount of rain in the Houston area, Moreno said it appeared the cistern suffered a catastrophic failure.
“It’s not a sinkhole,” Moreno said. “It’s definitely an artificial structure underground designed to contain flood water in this area.”
The Houston Fire Department said that after a large amount of rain in the area, a cistern had a catastrophic failure.
Built in 2016, Memorial Green features luxury townhomes with prices starting at $1.2 million.
Because the landslide occurred on private property, Houston Public Works has said the community will be responsible for repairs.
Built in 2016, Memorial Green features luxury townhomes and includes 91 single-family homes, community parks, and office and retail space spread across 14 acres. Home prices start at $1.2 million.
The nearest structures around the area where the collapse occurred are described as three-story homes with “beautiful exterior elevations, first-floor living spaces, hardwood floors throughout” and park views.
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