A massive sinkhole surprised residents and tourists on Friday morning at the intersection of Pelicanos and 42nd Streets, near the coastal area of Playa del Carmen. The collapse significantly affected the El Encanto beach club, causing the sanitary service areas and cobblestone floor to sink.
According to the Secretariat of Civil Protection, Risk Prevention, and Firefighters, the collapse extended to Flamingos Street, between 42nd and 44th Avenues, in the Zazil-Ha neighborhood. Authorities immediately cordoned off the area to prevent risks to citizens and began investigations to determine the cause of the incident.
The sinkhole caused an estimated 400 square meters of damage, impacting the perimeter wall of a nearby building and worsening structural damage in the area. Initial investigations suggest the phenomenon could be related to the nature of the terrain, as the area was historically an urban mangrove known as the Albatros mangrove, which was devastated in recent years, altering the subsoil conditions.
The Civil Protection Secretariat urged citizens to avoid the affected area and use alternate routes while assessment work continues. “We continue to work with a firm commitment for the prosperity and safety of everyone in Solidaridad,” the agency reported.
Residents of Playa del Carmen have expressed concern, pointing out that accelerated urbanization and lack of planning could be contributing to such phenomena. “It is the result of ignoring the importance of preserving the mangroves. Now the subsoil is unstable,” said a resident.
City Hall personnel are conducting clean-up work and soil mechanics studies to assess the depth of the sludge and the behavior of the groundwater. This incident highlights the environmental and infrastructure challenges facing Playa del Carmen, a city in constant growth that relies on its ecological balance for sustainability.
Source: Heraldo de Mexico
