Sidewalk in St. Paul collapses; 1 person injured
A 20-foot section of brick sidewalk in downtown St. Paul collapsed into a sinkhole this morning, injuring a pedestrian walking along Wabasha Street.
Authorities say a leaking water main leading into a nearby office tower might have caused the collapse.
The sinkhole opened on the southeast corner of 6th Street and Wabasha Street shortly after 9 a.m. It stretched from the curb to the foundation of the Ecolab office tower at that intersection.
"One adult male was walking by when the ground collapsed underneath him," said Fire department spokesman Steve Zaccard. "He fell into the hole and bricks fell on top of him. So he was pretty banged up. Water was filling the hole, so we put a ladder down quickly and helped him up the ladder and get him out."
Zaccard said the man was treated for his injuries and paramedics then took him to Regions Hospital.
Police have closed both Wabasha and 6th streets in downtown St. Paul and don't know when the intersection will reopen. City officials said they may have to excavate the area to determine the extent of the damage.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.