Image copyright AP Image caption A passer-by helped another driver from the sinkhole, but were unable to reach the sheriff's vehicle

An off-duty sheriff's deputy died when her car fell into a sinkhole in San Antonio, in the US state of Texas, officials said.

Dora Linda Nishihara, 69, who worked as a courthouse bailiff, died after her car fell into the 12ft (3.6m) hole filled with water.

Her car was retrieved from the sinkhole by a crane on Monday, a day after it first appeared.

A second vehicle also fell into the hole and two other people were hurt.

The driver of the second vehicle was rescued by a witness, local media reported, but Ms Nishihara's vehicle had flipped on to its roof and was completely submerged.

Image copyright AP Image caption The San Antonio Fire Department aided in the vehicle's recovery from fast-flowing water

The flow of water in the sinkhole was caused by a ruptured sewer line, local media reported.

Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau said her department was "heartbroken" and was assisting the family.