Forklift falls into large sinkhole in Strip District, road closed ‘indefinitely’

PITTSBURGH — For the second year in a row, a large sinkhole has partially swallowed a vehicle in Pittsburgh.

This time, it was a forklift in the Strip District -- rather than a Port Authority bus downtown.

This latest sinkhole opened up Monday afternoon at the intersection of 33rd Street and Smallman Street, near a railroad bridge. Witnesses said water was shooting out of the sinkhole after the forklift partially fell in.

Workers told Channel 11 crews had repaired a water main break nearby just days ago. However, it’s unclear if that played a factor in the sinkhole.

Allegheny County officials said Smallman Street will be closed “indefinitely” in the surrounding area.

This isn’t the first time a sinkhole opened up on Smallman Street. In May 2019, a 36-inch water main broke -- causing surrounding pavement to crack. Crews had to remove 1,500 tons of concrete and asphalt before any repair work could begin.

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