Imagine cruising down Interstate 80, vibing to your playlist, when BAM! The road ahead disappears like a magic trick gone wrong. That’s exactly what happened in Wharton, New Jersey, on December 26, 2024. A massive 40-by-40-foot sinkhole opened up just feet away from passing cars. And the whole jaw-dropping moment was caught on a police bodycam.
One witness summed it up best: “Look at how far it goes under there… we just went by and [said] ‘holy s—!’”
The Ground Gave Out—Literally
This wasn’t just a pothole; it was a full-on chasm. The sinkhole was so deep, one person compared it to a four-story building. Turns out, the cause was an abandoned mineshaft lurking beneath the highway—a relic from New Jersey’s mining days.
Since that day, Interstate 80 has been partially shut down, causing major traffic headaches. And it didn’t stop there. On March 19, another 15-by-15-foot crater opened up nearby. It’s like the road is playing whack-a-mole with sinkholes.
Repairs in Progress
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has been working to fix the mess. Two eastbound lanes were expected to reopen on May 21, with all lanes scheduled to be back in action by June 25. In the meantime, drivers are advised to find alternate routes and maybe carry a parachute—just in case.
A Reminder from Below
This incident is a stark reminder that the ground beneath us can be as unpredictable as the weather. So next time you’re driving, keep an eye out for any suspicious dips in the road. You never know when the Earth might decide to open up and say hello.
Thoughts: “Man, that sinkhole was so big, I thought it was trying to start its own zip code.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of May 24, 2025. For the most current updates, please refer to official sources.
