Regulators checking huge sinkhole near Daisetta

The Associated Press

May 8, 2008

DAISETTA, Texas (AP) - Regulators continued monitoring a massive sinkhole which has swallowed up equipment and vehicles since surfacing outside Daisetta in southeast Texas.

There were no reports of injuries or of any homes being damaged.

The Texas Railroad Commission says investigators are checking pipelines in the area and trying to determine if any regulations have been violated.

Officials with Texas Natural Resources and Conservation were monitoring air and water quality. So far, no pollutants have been detected.

Television news footage showed a tractor, some oil field equipment and some telephone poles falling into the sinkhole as it grew near Daisetta.

The sinkhole was believed to have grown to at least 600 feet long and 200 feet deep by Wednesday night.