A major incident was declared in Whitchurch early this morning following a significant bank collapse and sinkhole affecting a stretch of the canal in the Chemistry area of the town.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) declared a major incident following a significant breach of the Shropshire Union Canal near Drawbridge.
The alarm was raised at approximately 4.22 am when reports were made of a large-scale bank collapse. Escaping water created a developing sinkhole, estimated to be 50 metres by 50 metres in size.
Three canal boats were caught in the sinkhole. Specialist crews from across the county – including Whitchurch, Prees, Shrewsbury, Newport, Albrighton, and Telford attended and assisted 12 residents from nearby boats to safety.
Firefighters faced challenging conditions, battling rapidly moving water and unstable ground. To stem the flow, crews immediately established upstream and downstream safety sectors and used barge boards and water gate systems to mitigate the flooding.
Area Manager Scott Hurford said: “We can confirm no persons are believed to be on board the affected canal boats, and no injuries have been reported.
“Approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats are being supported and relocated to a welfare centre at the former Whitchurch Police Station.
“A major incident was declared at 5.17 am however as of 8.30 am, the situation was stable with water flow reduced, and there is no ongoing search and rescue activity.
“Multiagency attendance remains in place to manage the environmental impact, protect nearby properties, and ensure public safety. Please avoid the area while we continue to deal with this significant incident.”
A multi-agency response remains on-site to manage the aftermath. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to work alongside West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, local authority emergency planning officers, and National Resilience.
A Canal and River Trust spokesperson said: “A breach near New Mills Lift Bridge, Whitchurch, happened in the early hours today, 22 December. Our teams are on site and have dammed off the affected section of canal. The priority is the safety of boaters and those in the immediate area. The towpath and canal at this point are now closed to public access.
“We are carrying out initial investigations into the possible cause of the breach and will provide more details in due course. We will also seek to return water levels either side of the breach as soon as possible and are providing support to the boaters affected and those in the immediate area either side of the breach.
“If your boating plans, access, or business operations have been disrupted by this incident, please get in touch with us on 0303 040 4040 or email enquiries.westmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk. Outside of working hours, in an emergency, call 0800 47 999 47.”
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said: “Our emergency services deserve a huge amount of praise for their rapid response to what was a very frightening incident for all involved.
“Thankfully nobody was badly hurt but some very unfortunate narrowboat residents have been made homeless just a few days before Christmas.
“It’s clear both the damage and the flooding could have been far worse if it wasn’t for the quick-thinking actions of our excellent firefighters
“I will be staying in close contact with the Canal & River Trust and other agencies over the coming months as the recovery operation continues.”
Members of the public are strictly advised to avoid the area while recovery work continues and agencies ensure the long-term safety of the site.
