By Belize Live News Staff: Motorists travelling along the Hummingbird Highway are being urged to exercise caution after a sinkhole opened up in the middle of the road.
Images sent in to our newsroom show the hole, which has formed near Mile 17, in the area of Billy Barquedier National Park. The photos show that the opening sits right along the centre of the road, near the double yellow lines, on what appears to be a curve in the highway. A closer look reveals a sizable cavity beneath the road surface, deep enough to pose a serious danger to passing vehicles.
The sinkhole was spotted by members of the public, who stopped to inspect it and alert other drivers. With traffic continuing to use the route, including buses and other vehicles, there is real concern that an unsuspecting motorist could strike the hole, especially at night or in the current rainy conditions when it may be harder to see.
Drivers using the Hummingbird Highway are advised to slow down in the area, stay alert, and give the affected section a wide berth where it is safe to do so. Motorists are also reminded to warn others travelling the route.
It is hoped that the relevant authorities will move quickly to assess and repair the road before the situation gets any worse. Anyone travelling through the area is asked to take extra care.
