LUZERNE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Part of Toby Creek in Luzerne caved in after a mine subsidence opened right underneath the creek on Sunday morning.
According to Jason Tarreto, EMA Coordinator for Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, the department was called to Toby Creek, behind Luzerne Lumber, 425 South Main Street, for a mine subsidence at 7:00 a.m.
Luzerne Borough Fire Chief Ron Rahl stated that a sinkhole developed under part of the creek bed in Toby Creek which water started pouring into.
After arriving on scene, authorities said they contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Surface Mining, and Luzerne County Emergency Medical Assistance.
Kingston Police Department stated in a post that the Back Mountain Rail Trail and Exit 6 on and off ramps of the Cross Valley Expressway will also be closed until further notice.
Rahl said that Main Avenue is also currently closed between the intersection of Courtdale Avenue and Main Avenue and the Exit 6 on and off ramps in both directions.
The creek is currently being filled in with rock by Brdaric Excavating Inc, according to authorities.
Rahl also said that residents who lived between 445 Main Street, Luzerne Lumber, and 369 Main Street, Skovish Pools and Spa, were advised to evacuate, but should be allowed back in Sunday evening.
The DEP Issued a statement regarding the incident Sunday evening.
“This is an evolving issue. DEP continues to respond to the mine subsidence on Toby Creek, Luzerne County, that has dewatered the creek from the Back Mountain area to where the creek enters the Susquehanna River. There are known abandoned mines in the area of the creek. DEP is working to stabilize the bank near the subsidence and divert the flow of water back into the creek.”
Colleen Connolly from the DEP
This is a developing story and 28/22 News will give updates as new information is made available.
