A major incident unfolded in Shropshire, West Midlands, on Monday morning as a massive sinkhole opened up in the Shropshire Union Canal, swallowing narrowboats. At least 10 people had to be rescued. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident after reports of the canal bank collapsing in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch. The breach, described by emergency services as "significant," left several boats stranded, some partially submerged, and others precariously balanced on the edge of the collapsing canal. 

The vast sinkhole, measuring roughly 50-metres across, unleashed torrents of water into nearby land and dragged three narrowboats into the collapse. Aerial images captured one boat teetering on the brink, while another was seen partially submerged at the bottom of the sinkhole.

Fortunately, all those on board had been rescued, with no injuries reported.

West Mercia Police said in a statement: "There are currently no reports of any casualties, and residents are being assisted by the fire service."

Mick Thomas, 67, originally from Dawley in Shropshire, was aboard one of the narrowboats moored along the canal. He said he was woken up by urgent banging on his boat and told to get dressed and get to safety.

He said: "I didn't even have time to put my teeth in. It was incredible no one was hurt - or worse. Lucky isn't the word."

Fire service area manager Scott Hurford said: "We can confirm no persons are believed to be on board the affected canal boats, and no injuries have been reported.

"Approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats are being supported and relocated to a welfare centre at the former Whitchurch Police Station.

"A major incident was declared at 5:17am – however, as of 8:30am, the situation was stable with water flow reduced, and there is no ongoing search and rescue activity.

"Multi-agency attendance remains in place to manage the environmental impact, protect nearby properties, and ensure public safety."

The incident prompted a coordinated response involving West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Canal and River Trust, and the Environment Agency.

The Canal and River Trust temporarily dammed off the impacted section to prevent further water loss and began supporting boat owners affected by the collapse.

Mark Durham, principal engineer at the Canal and River Trust, said the incident was best described as an "embankment failure," and that the structure was man-made and had successfully supported the canal for more than 200 years, the BBC reported.

However, he added that it is still too early to determine what caused the embankment to give way. Once the damaged boats have been recovered, engineers will begin detailed inspections before work starts on rebuilding the section of canal. The trust warned it is not yet possible to say how long repairs will take.