Abandoned Mines Linked to Sinkholes and Fatalities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
What happened
An ABC News investigation detailed the existence of abandoned underground mines across the country, noting that these sites were often left unsealed and unmonitored after operations ceased. In Pennsylvania, a grandmother died when an abandoned coal mine gave way under her feet while she searched for her missing cat. Separately, in New Jersey, an abandoned mine shaft opened up beneath a major highway, creating a sinkhole exceeding 40 feet in width.
From abcnews.com
Why it matters
The incidents in both states are linked to decaying infrastructure from abandoned underground mines. The sinkhole beneath a major highway in New Jersey requires immediate and costly infrastructure repair and safety mandates for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
From abcnews.com
Who's involved
- PennsylvaniaState of Pennsylvania, site of a fatal mine collapse involving abandoned coal mine infrastructure.
- New JerseyState of New Jersey, site of a sinkhole forming beneath a major highway due to abandoned mine shafts.
- New Jersey Department of TransportationState agency responsible for transportation infrastructure in New Jersey.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- New Jersey Department of TransportationSpeculative
The New Jersey Department of Transportation could face increased costs related to infrastructure repair and safety mandates due to the sinkhole.
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The entities involved
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Pennsylvania
state of the United States of America
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New Jersey
state of the United States of America
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