City crews are starting the process to fill a sinkhole on the Des Moines' southside.They are adding concrete mix first to be followed by gravel, sand, and rock and then top that off with soil. That process could take up to a week to complete.The sinkhole is eating away at the front yard of the Des Moines home.The hole opened up early Wednesday morning at 4103 Southwest 5th Street. It is believed to be at least 40 feet deep.The homeowner said he heard a sound "like thunder" at around midnight and went outside to investigate. He called city officials after noticing the widening hole in his yard.Yellow caution tape surrounds the hole, which is now close to the street. The street will remain open unless the sinkhole continues to grow, officials said.Public Works Director Jonathan Gano told KCCI that the sinkhole may be caused by the collapse of a vertical mineshaft. He said maps show a 200-acre coal mine right underneath the neighborhood and the mineshaft in the area of the collapse. The mine dates from the 1920s.Part of the street is blocked off in the area as the sinkhole undermines the road.Gano said gas and utility crews have already evaluated the scene and power was restored to a neighboring home.Check the KCCI News App and KCCI-TV for updates on this developing story.

City crews are starting the process to fill a sinkhole on the Des Moines' southside.

They are adding concrete mix first to be followed by gravel, sand, and rock and then top that off with soil. That process could take up to a week to complete.

The sinkhole is eating away at the front yard of the Des Moines home.



The hole opened up early Wednesday morning at 4103 Southwest 5th Street. It is believed to be at least 40 feet deep.

The homeowner said he heard a sound "like thunder" at around midnight and went outside to investigate. He called city officials after noticing the widening hole in his yard.

Yellow caution tape surrounds the hole, which is now close to the street. The street will remain open unless the sinkhole continues to grow, officials said.



Public Works Director Jonathan Gano told KCCI that the sinkhole may be caused by the collapse of a vertical mineshaft. He said maps show a 200-acre coal mine right underneath the neighborhood and the mineshaft in the area of the collapse. The mine dates from the 1920s.

Part of the street is blocked off in the area as the sinkhole undermines the road.

Gano said gas and utility crews have already evaluated the scene and power was restored to a neighboring home.

Check the KCCI News App and KCCI-TV for updates on this developing story.