A large sinkhole on the 1700 block of Regal Ridge Street
© LAS CRUCES POLICE DEPARTMENTA large sinkhole on the 1700 block of Regal Ridge Street swallowed two vehicles and forced the temporary evacuation of occupants from three homes Monday evening.
A large sinkhole in the front yard of a Las Cruces home swallowed two vehicles and forced the temporary evacuation of occupants from three homes Monday evening. About 9:30 p.m. Monday, May 6, Las Cruces firefighters were dispatched to the report of a sinkhole on the 1700 block of Regal Ridge Street.

Fire crews arrived to find a large sinkhole measuring approximately 30-feet wide and 30-feet deep. The sinkhole engulfed two vehicles that were parked in the driveway.

Firefighters reported the mass depression was still settling when they arrived on scene. No injuries were reported.

"I didn't feel or hear anything, but my parents did," said Dorothy Wyckoff, who lives across the street from the affected homes. "They said there was a loud rumbling and thought nothing of it. They didn't realize anything happened until I told them.



"(Neighbors) were in total shock and surprise. They thought it was an earthquake. They got evacuated, but I haven't heard from her (Tuesday)."

According to the City, crews evacuated the occupants of the home and residents from two adjacent houses as a precaution. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family of the affected home and their neighbors. Las Cruces Utilities and El Paso Electric were called to secure utilities and evaluate if any service lines might have been compromised within the neighborhood. Intermittent closure of the road and utility services are anticipated in the coming days when it's determined how best to backfill the sinkhole.