Sinkholes in South Dakota Could Spell Disaster

Residents in the Hideaway Hills subdivision in western South Dakota have a frightening and potentially dangerous situation: sinkholes are opening in their driveways and multiple roads are cracking.

The cause of these sinkholes is being investigated, but geologists who are familiar with the unique underground of the Rushmore state say that old caves in the Black Hills are to blame.

In 2020, a 40-foot-deep sinkhole appeared in the subdivision. Now, there are "too many to count," according to Attorney Kathy Barrow, who is representing the families of Hideaway Hills.

Neighbors met to discuss the recent developments with Barrow and agreed to sue the state for $45 million to cover the costs of their homes and expenses because they blame the state for selling them land that was prone for sinkholes, according to ABC News.

Homeowners in the Hideaway Hills subdivision are concerned. They say they're having trouble sleeping at night due to the fear of something happening, such as a school bus falling into a gaping hole. And it's not just a handful of homes affected, the number of endangered homes stand at 158 and numerous roads are cracking in the normally quiet subdivision.

"I can say just from having taught classes about case histories with geologic problems that this would be a case that will end up in textbooks." ~ Paul Santi, a professor of geological engineering at the Colorado School of Mines

It will be interesting to see how the state responds and how much if any, aid is given.

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