A quiet drive yesterday on Airline Road turned into a roadside spectacle in Gastonia when the pavement suddenly collapsed, leaving a red pickup truck nose down in a water-filled sinkhole and traffic at a standstill. Police and public works crews rushed in to secure the area, pull the truck out and figure out what went wrong. No injuries were reported.
What happened
Gastonia Police were called to Airline Road near Brown Road after the asphalt gave way under a red pickup, which ended up partially submerged in the unexpected crater, according to WSOC-TV. Officers shut down the intersection and asked drivers to steer clear while crews worked to extract the vehicle and assess whether the surrounding pavement was safe. Police said no one was hurt.
Why sinkholes happen
City streets do not usually collapse without help. Sinkholes often form when soil is washed away under the pavement or when aging drainage or utility pipes fail and start eating out underground cavities. The City of Gastonia notes it maintains more than 250 miles of pipe and about 18,000 stormwater structures, any of which can play a role in how stable the street above really is.
It is not just a Gastonia problem. Earlier this week in Omaha, a dramatic sinkhole that swallowed two cars was traced to a water‑main break, highlighting how leaking pipes and erosion can trigger sudden collapses, the AP reported.
Local history and road closures
Gastonia drivers have seen this movie before. In 2024, a sinkhole on City Church Street led to temporary repairs and road closures while crews monitored the pavement for more trouble. Saturday’s collapse on Airline Road is the latest reminder that problems underground can shut down a busy street in a hurry.
What residents should do
For now, police are asking drivers to avoid Airline Road at Brown Road while the scene is secured and crews finish their work. If you come across a sinkhole or notice signs of possible stormwater damage, officials say you should contact City of Gastonia Stormwater Services at 704‑869‑1063 or file a report through the city’s online stormwater system, available via the City of Gastonia website.
