Fendalton, Christchurch sinkhole opens up on busy road

A taxi suffered damage after driving into a sinkhole in Christchurch this morning. Photo / Supplied

A taxi has been damaged after driving into a large sinkhole which has opened up on a busy Christchurch road.

The hole appeared on Fendalton Rd near St Barnabas Church after heavy rain in the city yesterday.

Contractors rushed to the scene, pumping water out of the sinkhole.

Around 6.30am today, a taxi drove into the hole, becoming stuck for some time.

A large sinkhole has opened up in the Christchurch suburb of Fendalton. Photo / George Heard

The vehicle suffered some damage in the incident.

Christchurch City Council said a 200mm water main blew outside on Fendalton Rd just after 6.30am.

“The repair is expected to be completed by approximately 2pm,” a council spokeswoman said.

“We believe there are about 50 properties without water.”

Photo / George Heard