FRASER, Mich. – A sinkhole began forming overnight underneath a home on Eberlien Drive in Fraser, police said. Portions of the house were damaged as a result.
Construction crews at the scene said the sinkhole is thought to be a result of a possible sewer failure approximately 60 feet below the home.
Police initially responded to a 911 call after family members residing in the home said it was sinking into the foundation.
When crews arrived, they said they witnessed the home sinking into the ground.
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Tremetrice Smith lives next door.
"We saw the bricks fall from the side of the house," Smith said. "We saw the separation from the front of the house and leaning towards 15 Mile."
Residents living on Eberlien Drive have been evacuated as a precaution. A senior center near the end of the street has been opened for residents who do not have a place to go.
"If it swallows his house, it might take ours with it," Smith said.
David Bogdan rushed out with two suitcases. He grabbed what he could in minutes.
"Yes, clothes and valuables, and Christmas presents," Bogdan said.
The city of Fraser believes a huge pipe or drain caused the sinkhole to form 50 feet beneath the surface. City officials say it's not of matter of whether the damaged home will be swallowed up, it's only a matter of when.
"It is going to collapse. The magnitude of that collapse obviously will be seen when it happens," Mayor Joe Nichols said. "The assessment of it right now is roughly a 50-by 50 (-foot) area."
Because of the sinkhole situation on 15 Mile Road between Hayes and Utica, there's a possibility people living in the area of 15 Mile and Garfield may see sewage backup, which will push raw sewage into basements.
The county and city are asking people to remove any items from their basements if they live in the area. The pipes are at capacity because of the sinkhole pipe damage.
The power, gas and water were shut off to the 22 homes as they worked underneath them. The incident commander on scene told Local 4 News he doesn't see these families getting back inside their homes from anywhere from two to three weeks.
Fifteen Mile Road between Hayes and Utica was been shut down in both directions while crews investigated.
A GoFundMe has been created for the family who owns the home that was damaged as a result of the sinkhole.