PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. — A dump truck delivering asphalt to repair a sinkhole was swallowed by that same hole Tuesday, prompting a state of local emergency after a second sinkhole opened nearby and left residents without water.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Lewis Street, where two sinkholes opened within approximately 20 to 30 feet of each other. Officials said the dump truck was en route to repair one of the sinkholes when it fell in, ending up vertically lodged in the ground with the front half of the truck protruding above the roadway.

^{Photo credit: Jersey Coast Emergency News}

During the collapse, the truck damaged an Aqua New Jersey water main. Authorities confirmed the water main had been intact prior to the truck falling into the sinkhole. About 20 customers were left without water service as a result of the break.

Aqua New Jersey officials said repairs cannot begin until the dump truck is removed. However, work has been halted because the sinkhole is expanding, making it unsafe to extract the vehicle or repair the damaged line. The town planned to use radar technology to assess roadway stability before determining next steps.

Roughly 30 feet from the first collapse, a second sinkhole opened, swallowing a passenger vehicle. Officials confirmed the car has since been removed.

The Phillipsburg Police Department said the dump truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Due to concerns that the sinkhole was larger than initially assessed, authorities initiated a precautionary evacuation of nearby residences with assistance from the American Red Cross. As of Tuesday evening, evacuations were optional, but officials said that could change depending on stability assessments.

Later Tuesday, the Town of Phillipsburg declared a state of local emergency, allowing officials to access additional resources and expedite response efforts.

“Initial assessments are underway, and we are prioritizing a thorough investigation to prevent further incidents and facilitate safe repairs,” the town said in a statement.

The following road closures remain in effect:

• Summit Avenue from Fillmore Street to Chambers Street

• The intersection of Summit Avenue and Lewis Street

Officials are urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Pedestrians are also advised to stay clear of the affected roadway. Authorities are asking residents to report any signs of roadway sinking, heaving or sudden depressions to the Phillipsburg Police Department.

The situation remains under investigation, and additional updates are expected as crews continue to monitor the expanding sinkhole.

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