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Road collapse: The huge hole which opened up in Mancunian Way after flooding caused major disruption
Weather caused traffic chaos in a central location of Manchester today when a 40ft deep sinkhole appeared in a busy road.

Mass diversions were put in place because of the heavy rain and the road was closed in both directions after the crater, measuring 15ft long, appeared.

The giant hole opened up in Mancunian Way between the junctions with the A6 London Road and Fairfield Street.

It came as torrential rain battered Manchester city centre as well as much of the country.

Manchester council engineers and United Utilities have been called to the scene to assess the damage, according to our sister paper the Manchester Evening News.


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Large disruption: Thought to be around 40ft deep, the hole measures 15ft long and closed both side of the carriageway when it appeared

It's believed that the hole was caused either by a collapsed sewer or a culvert - a pipe which carries water underground.

It is not yet known how long the carriageway will be closed for, but motorists have been advised to avoid the area and diversion have been put in place.

A workman at the scene said the hole appeared just after midday and they then closed the road.

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Expert attention: Manchester council engineers and United Utilities workers attended the scene of the incident
He said the rain could have caused the collapse.

The hole is on the Eastbound carriageway heading to Ancoats but there are fears it could spread to the other side.

The workman said: "There are concerns it could spread to the other side and I see both directions being closed for weeks while repair work takes place."

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Drenched city: The collapse came after a morning or torrential rain in the area