Residents Concerned Over 25-Foot Deep Crack In North Versailles

NORTH VERSAILLES (KDKA) – The Department of Environmental Protection has been called out to North Versailles for a deep crack that opened up near several homes.

Residents on Woodland Road have watched the crack form and grow.

"It started as a small crack and then in some spots it's noticed to be about 25 feet deep," Gena Romano said.

The massive crevice is already about 100 yards long. It is continuing to grow and it's getting closer to homes.

"It's getting real serious now. I'm really concerned. I have a small dog. I mean, I don't want anybody to run out here. The guy down the street has small children. I purposely ran out and got mine subsidence insurance," Romano said.

An underground mine that is draining water is believed to be the cause of the crack.

The DEP will be out to the scene next week.

"They said they were going to drill and take samples. They're not moving fast enough for me," Romano said.

One of the big concerns is that the crack is very close to a sewage line. If it continues to move downhill, the sewage line will be at risk of being lost.

Another problem is that the recent rains have caused the crack to grow very quickly. There's more bad news as the forecast is calling for rain throughout the weekend.

Residents are being encouraged to purchase mine subsidence insurance. To check and see if you should apply, check the DEP's website. They have maps that are broken down by county and city that will help you determine if your structure is at risk.

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