Sinkhole swallows 14 victims

CANAL boaters’ Christmases were plunged into disarray when a massive sinkhole swallowed their vessels.

- by AARON TINNEY

A total of 14 people were rescued when the colossal 164ft-wide crater opened beneath narrowboats on the Llangollen Canal, Whitchurch, Shrops, yesterday morning.

Some described it as like an “earthquake” and officials said it was a Christmas miracle that no-one was killed.

Local councillor Andy Hall said authorities were focused on caring for the evacuees.