On Tuesday morning, residents in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were shocked when a car was partially swallowed by a large sink hole near the Coastal Grand Mall. The incident happened at the intersection of Mall Drive and Harrelson Blvd at about 4:30 a.m. Thankfully, the driver was unharmed.
The City of Myrtle Beach quickly confirmed the cause of the sinkhole as a broken water main. Early reports suggested a six-inch break, but the Public Works Department later confirmed it was a 12-inch break, near the Horry County Ride III construction site. This section of roadway was already considered a work zone, and the sinkhole disruption forced closures and urgent repairs.
What Happened at the Scene?
The driver was at the traffic light on Mall Drive when the ground beneath him suddenly gave way. Witnesses described how the front of the car dropped into the rapidly forming hole. Emergency crews from the City of Myrtle Beach Police Department responded within minutes.
The driver’s father later told local media that his son had no warning before the road collapsed. He simply felt the car begin to sink while waiting at the light. Crews, including repair crews from the South Carolina Department of Transportation, were dispatched to secure the area.
By the time officials arrived, the vehicle’s front end was fully submerged. Fortunately, the driver escaped unharmed. Officials said this could have been much worse had it occurred during peak traffic, when more vehicles travel along Seaboard Street, Broadway at the Beach, and the surrounding Grand Strand area.
The Cause of the Sinkhole
Initially, the incident was blamed on a smaller water line, but Public Works Department officials later identified a ruptured 12-inch water main as the source. The water main break eroded the soil beneath the road, eventually causing the surface to collapse.
A spokesperson explained that this kind of event can be triggered by aging infrastructure, shifting ground, or even sudden water pressure fluctuations. The first sign of trouble came from residents calling about low water pressure between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Unfortunately, the road failed before crews could make it to the scene.
Road Closures and Immediate Repairs
The South Carolina Department of Transportation closed the entrance to Mall Drive to allow crews to access the work zone safely. The sinkhole was located near the Horry County Ride III project, a key construction site already undergoing roadway improvements.
The closure impacted drivers headed toward Broadway Grand Prix, Pirates Voyage, and other nearby Grand Strand attractions. Repairs to the water line and roadway repair efforts continued through Tuesday and were expected to be completed by Wednesday.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The water main break also forced a shutdown of water service to several local groups and businesses near Seaboard Street. The City of Myrtle Beach noted that these repairs caused disruptions but assured residents that water would be restored as quickly as possible.
The area surrounding Coastal Grand Mall includes busy shopping centers and attractions such as Alligator Adventure, Ripley’s Aquarium, and various restaurants. Business owners voiced concern about the disruption, which came during the back-to-school shopping season, impacting Back-to-school shopping traffic.
Infrastructure Risks and Community Safety
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of underground infrastructure. Water line failures can cause sudden road collapses, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
While the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County maintain regular inspections, unexpected breaks can still occur. Officials noted that the failure of the 12-inch line was not classified as an act of God, but instead was due to an infrastructure issue.
Connections to Broader Community Issues
The timing of this sinkhole disruption overlapped with other significant local matters, including a special meeting of the Wilmington City Council to discuss a contract extension, the start of early voting at polling locations in Horry County, and other unrelated community stories like reports of abuse of disabled grandmother and requests for help from shelters at capacity.
Though unrelated, these simultaneous issues strained city resources. New Hanover County Schools, which are also part of the regional Grand Strand, had concerns about students and marching bands navigating detours near Seaboard Street during extreme heat.
Media Coverage and Public Awareness
Local news stations covered the sinkhole extensively. Journalists like Rachel DePompa, a well-known Consumer Investigator, and David Perry highlighted the risks of aging water systems on segments like Shared Video Watching Your Wallet.
Images of the vehicle stuck in the hole were widely Shared Video online, drawing attention from people across the Atlantic Ocean in places as far as Costa Rica.
Tourism and Traffic Impacts
Myrtle Beach attracts thousands of visitors every year, many of whom flock to attractions like Broadway at the Beach, Brass at the Beach, and Electric Bike Rental shops. The sinkhole occurred near major tourist routes, disrupting access and raising concerns about safety in work zone areas.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation reminded drivers to Sign up for text alerts about road closures and detours. They also urged residents to stay informed by Log in to city websites and avoid unsafe work zones.
How Residents Can Stay Safe
- Sign up for emergency alerts from the City of Myrtle Beach.
- Avoid driving through closed work zones or areas marked as unsafe.
- Report any signs of collapsing pavement or unusual water pressure changes.
- Stay hydrated in the heat wave if you are caught in traffic delays.
Unrelated Local Stories Drawing Resources
While the sinkhole was a priority, the community also faced a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, a Tornado Watch, and ongoing investigations into cases like Pee Dee Crime and murder charges in unrelated incidents. Local groups organized aid for those affected by these emergencies.
Looking Ahead
Officials from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Horry County are reviewing the failure to determine how future issues can be prevented. The City of Myrtle Beach hopes to complete all repairs quickly and restore normal traffic patterns on Mall Drive, Harrelson Blvd, and Seaboard Street.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and Sign up for updates. Future plans include evaluating the surrounding Ride III construction site and any potential vulnerabilities in nearby work zones.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm has a long-standing presence in South Carolina, including communities like the Grand Strand, Horry County, and beyond. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Our focus remains on helping individuals and families when life takes unexpected turns. Through consistent service and dedication, we continue to be a reliable resource for those in need Contact us today for a free consultation.
