Large hole investigated behind Pine Hills home, fire officials say

PINE HILLS, Fla. – Orange County sheriff's deputies said the possible sinkhole that opened up behind a home in Pine Hills is a ground depression.

[PICS: Pine Hills sinkhole]

Fire Rescue said the hole, which is 8 feet wide and 9 feet deep, is located on the south side of a home on Lake Horseshoe Drive.

The sinkhole investigation was reported just before 3 p.m. at the home, which has been evacuated.

Fire Rescue said cracks were showing in the home but has not grown, therefore nearby houses were not evacuated. The sinkhole is located 3 feet from underneath the house and swallowed up a swing set in the backyard.

A geo-technical engineer will confirm if it is an actual sinkhole, but building inspectors have deemed the home unsafe.

A lieutenant with OCSO later said the hole is called a "ground depression" and is not a sinkhole because it it not deep enough to be classified as one.

The family will be removed from the home for at least a couple of days, deputies said.

Check back for more on this story.


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