‘I thought we were goners for sure,’ camper says after 100 metre-by-100 metre hole takes bite out of coastline, forcing evacuation of up to 140 people

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

A camper at a popular Queensland beach has described the terrifying speed with which a sinkhole swallowed a car, caravan and camping trailer.



The 150-by-50 metre sinkhole opened up at the Inskip Point camping area near Rainbow Beach about 11pm on Saturday. Authorities say the hole is now three metres deep and takes in a large part of the MV Beagle camp site.



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One camper, Melanie Wotherspoon, described the experience in a Facebook post. “Yep, can’t believe we made it out,” she wrote. “I thought we were goners for sure, was truly scary how fast it came into our campsite and swallowed it up.”

A woman ran through nearby campsites, screaming at people to wake up and get out, the ABC reports.



Police and SES crews raced to the site, where no one was reported injured or missing. Up to 140 people were evacuated.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife staff have cordoned off the area to prevent vehicle and pedestrian access. Other camping grounds at Inskip Point remain open but people are being warned to stay away from the sinkhole.

“There is a real possibility the hole could expand with ocean currents, so people are urged to avoid the area,” said a senior ranger, Dan Clifton. “While we continue to assess the situation, our priority is public safety.”

Holidaymakers who have booked at the MV Beagle campsite can call park authorities for alternative arrangements or to arrange refunds.



The sinkhole is the second in four years at the spot, with a similar sized hole opening up in 2011.