On Wednesday, a group of four geologists reached Hetauda with the aim of starting a field investigation in the region where a vehicle sank into the earth due to a road collapse five days prior.
The event took place in Gairigaun, part of ward 16 within Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City, where the street collapsed on Friday, forming a muddy pit similar to a sinkhole. The car carrying fish has not been found since.
The research project began following the request made by officials in a suburban city. It is being spearheaded by geologist Narayan Adhikari and comprises members including Krishna Pandey, Mani Khanal, and Amar Bahadur Thapa, who serves as a laboratory technician affiliated with the Department of Mines and Geology. To obtain specific insights into what occurred, the specialists interviewed driver Hareram Rai. Additionally, they sought initial geological data regarding the region from longtime resident Bhairav Rai.
Owing to security issues, officials have prohibited any movement within a radius of 100 meters around the sinkhole. A geologist commented, “In this region, there used to be a lake, and the underlying soil consists of dark clay.” He further explained, “The collapse might have been triggered by either tectonic movements or well-drilling activities; however, we'll gain clearer insights following our investigation.”
Mayor Mina Kumari Lama of Hetauda, along with Deputy Mayor Rajesh Baniya and council members representing different wards, attended the site visit.
Witnesses stated that the car was stationary when the roadway unexpectedly collapsed, causing it to disappear rapidly. Although the driver and assistant managed to flee safely, the vehicle remains missing. Efforts to pump out water from the site have been unsuccessful in recovering the car so far.
Following the incident, the Municipal Disaster Management Committee convened a meeting on Sunday, attended by Chief District Officer Scheme Shrestha. They resolved to delay restoration activities until geologists had evaluated the location.
People residing near the area where the ground collapsed, such as the owner of an adjacent cement house, have shown concern over potential additional sinking. The location of the incident is near both a pond and a well-drilled hole for water extraction. Geologists believe that the overuse of underground water might be linked to this occurrence.