BY CAROLINE SELLE AND REBECCA BENNETT — Updated at 5:50 p.m.  A 12-inch water main break on Edmonston Road near Decatur Street just outside the City of Hyattsville caused a sinkhole that swallowed a car and nearly the family inside. That family is displaced, and according to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), a hotel has been arranged for family most affected by the flood. WSSC said it is working with others to expedite claims.

A family escaped a vehicle before it was swallowed by a sinkhole. Photo courtesy WSSC.
A family escaped a vehicle Tuesday morning before it was swallowed by a sinkhole. Photo courtesy WSSC.

According to WUSA9, “A neighbor tells WUSA9 that family members saw the water coming into their home, got in their car but then felt the car start to sink and got out just in time.”

According to WSSC, 77 customers were without water, but they now have water service restored sooner than expected.  Crews have drained the hole and removed the cars. They have laid the 15-foot replacement pipe. The pipe that burst was 90 years old, WSSC said.

According to Prince George’s County, there is flooding to several homes on the block.

WSSC said Edmonston Road will remain closed overnight.