Belmont SUV Swallowed by Sinkhole During Nor'easter

Key points

• An SUV fell into a sinkhole at the intersection of Holden and Slade streets in Belmont, Massachusetts, on Sunday.
• The driver was trapped inside the vehicle because the tilt prevented the main door from opening.
• Police officers assisted the driver in exiting through the passenger side and placed him in a cruiser due to heavy rain.
• A neighbor reported seeing water pouring from under the road earlier that morning and called the police department.
• The incident occurred during a powerful nor'easter that dumped rain across the region.
• Local residents noted that storms often cause problems with pipes in the area.

Background

Sinkholes have been a recurring issue in various parts of the United States, including a recent incident in Malibu, California, where a sinkhole collapsed the driveway of actor Nicolas Cage's mansion on September 9, 2026. That incident resulted in no injuries, but investigators assessed the cause. The Belmont incident highlights the ongoing risks of infrastructure failure during severe weather events, particularly in areas with aging pipe systems.

How outlets are covering it

WHDH 7News reported the incident in detail, including the driver's rescue and neighbor accounts of water issues prior to the collapse. The secondary source from Boston 25 News on Facebook mentioned that some drivers attempted to navigate the area, but the content was largely obscured by technical code and did not provide additional substantive details. WHDH emphasized the immediate response and rescue, while the Facebook post hinted at broader driver behavior but lacked specific information. There is no direct disagreement between the sources, but WHDH provided a more comprehensive account of the event and its aftermath.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the vulnerability of local infrastructure to severe weather events, particularly in areas with aging pipe systems. It highlights the need for improved maintenance and monitoring of underground utilities to prevent such incidents in the future. The rescue of the driver also demonstrates the effectiveness of emergency response teams in handling unexpected situations during severe weather.

What to watch

Investigations into the cause of the sinkhole are likely to be ongoing, with a focus on the condition of local pipes and the impact of the nor'easter. Authorities may assess the need for repairs or upgrades to the infrastructure in the area. Residents may also be advised to be cautious during future storms, particularly in areas prone to water issues.