![What Caused This Massive Sinkhole to Reappear in the Middle of Iowa? [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/726/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design-8.jpg?w=980&q=75)
What Caused This Massive Sinkhole to Reappear in the Middle of Iowa? [VIDEO]
I was scrolling through Instagram earlier this week when I noticed a funny post from the Iowa Chill Instagram page.
At first I wasn't sure if this was a joke or maybe some kind of altered photo but I discovered that this sinkhole photo is 100% legit. If I remember correctly, this sinkhole has been seen in this location in previous years but it was filled and repaired.
This year, this giant hole has come back with a vengeance. It's bigger than the hole that appeared in this location last year!
Why Has This Returned?
If you're looking for something fun to do, you could take a page out of Iowa Chill's book and plan a day trip to see this giant hole in person. I'm not suggesting you do this but if you do...just remember to be safe and don't hurt yourself.
This 40-foot-wide sinkhole is location in Marion county, just south of Knoxville, Iowa, according to KCCI. Marion county officials used to believe it was caused by a limestone mine, which is owned by S&S Quarries but after further review, it might not be that simple.
As the sinkhole was being repaired last year, a coal mine was discovered underneath the pit. The S&S Quarries' General Manager is Gail Helmick and he believes that the coal mine is what is really causing this hole to reappear, and not a limestone mine.
If you notice in the video, there is coal and some type of wooden framework located at the bottom of the hole. Helmick believes this is the cause of the sinkhole and the limestone mine is hundreds of fee further below.
Helmick spoke to KCCI and said that if the coal mine is causing this giant sinkhole, the federal government could step in to help with repairs via grant money.
After watching the video, I want to give a big shoutout to whoever built the fence! The fence appears to be hanging on just fine, even if it doesn't have any ground to hold its weight on!
Maybe I haven't lived long enough and don't have enough life experience but in 33 years, this has to be the biggest sink hole I've ever seen. Have you come across something like this before in Iowa? Let us know in the comments.