A state of emergency has been declared in Phillipsburg, New Jersey after multiple sinkholes opened at a busy intersection, including one that swallowed a dump truck.
The collapse happened near Summit Avenue and Lewis Street, where smaller sinkholes first appeared. Crews were working to repair the damage when the ground suddenly gave way Tuesday afternoon, pulling a dump truck into a much larger hole. The driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Officials said the emergency declaration is crucial—allowing the town to move quicker, secure resources, and bring in engineers to assess the situation. The area remains unstable, and crews are using specialized equipment to evaluate the ground beneath the roadway to determine the next steps.
A second sinkhole opened nearby. A vehicle briefly fell into the depression before it was removed. Authorities say the multiple collapses have raised concerns about deeper infrastructure problems.
The incident also damaged a water main operated by Aqua New Jersey, leaving about 20 customers temporarily without water.
As a precaution, emergency responders and the American Red Cross assisted with voluntary evacuations at homes in the immediate vicinity. Officials said the goal is to protect residents while engineers determine whether additional collapses are possible—and what needs to be addressed to assure safety.
In a Facebook post, the town of Phillipsburg stated: “Town officials, in coordination with utility providers including Aqua New Jersey and other relevant service companies, remain on site conducting thorough evaluations. Teams are actively assessing the affected utilities—including water mains and any other infrastructure—to determine the full scope of necessary repairs and the most effective path forward.”
Road closures remain in place, with Summit Avenue shut down between Fillmore Street and Chambers Street. Drivers and pedestrians are being told to avoid the area.
Engineers across Warren County are now investigating the cause. Possibilities include erosion, underground water issues, or aging infrastructure.
Residents are urged to report warning signs, such as cracks, sunken pavement, and sudden depressions.
For now, the state of emergency remains in effect as crews work to stabilize the ground and prevent further damage.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.