A water leak caused by “ageing infrastructure” has been blamed for a massive sinkhole outside Watford General Hospital.

The cavity first appeared as a hole in the road outside the hospital's main entrance at around 2.30pm on Sunday, August 22, but by 4pm it was evident it was beneath most of the road.

Traffic is being diverted but the hospital is urging anyone needing to attend to do so.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital in Vicarage Road, has identified the cause as a water leak caused by “ageing infrastructure”.

Watford Observer: A water leak is said to be the cause. .Picture: Jackie RinglandA water leak is said to be the cause. .Picture: Jackie Ringland

The trust has yet to answer a question from the Watford Observer about the size of the hole.

Hospital visitors Kirrily and Lucy Spires yesterday (Sunday) said that when they went into the hospital at around 2.30pm there was a hole in the road by the main entrance, but when they left at around 4pm had left the road between the main entrance and dermatology unit uneven.

Joshua Zachariah Ellis said on Facebook: "The entire roadway is undermined all the way down the hill."

According to the trust, services are still “running as normal” and there is no impact on emergency ambulances arriving.

READ MORE:

 

Security teams are however working to divert traffic to access the car parks through the entrance off Thomas Sawyer Way.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “Our estates and security teams are working hard to resolve this and we will issue further updates when available.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.