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Mine subsidence causes yards, roads, garages to cave in in North Belle Vernon

NORTH BELLE VERNON, Pa. — Residents on Lynn Alley in North Belle Vernon are dealing with a mine subsidence problem.

People living in the 6,000-square-foot area where the road has fallen in are worried the situation could get worse.

"I looked at the yard and said, 'Oh my, am I in a bad dream?'" Donna Vargo said. "It's just terrible. You don't expect to wake up and see your yard halfway down in the ground."

Vargo and four of her neighbors had damages to their yards and garages when the ground caved in due to mine subsidence. One of Vargo's neighbor's garages fell off its foundation.

Jancy Barcus said she's worried what's going to happen.

"We are scared. We don't know if it's going to get worse, and we don't know if someone is coming to take care of it," Barcus said.

The Department of Environmental Protection was called in to assess the damage. No time frame has been given for when the repairs will be made.