4 homes evacuated due to large sinkhole near townhouses after underground cistern collapses due to rain in W. Houston

HOUSTON – Several homes were evacuated as a precaution after an underground cistern collapsed, causing a large sinkhole in west Houston Saturday morning.

The incident happened in the 400 block of Sutherland Terrace Place around 8:30 a.m., according to Houston Fire Department Capt. Beau Moreno.

Authorities said the situation was caused by rain. HFD originally said the call came out for an unknown rescue involving multiple people trapped.

Moreno said it is possible they will have to evacuate more homes after engineers inspect the area.

Additionally, authorities say CenterPoint and Public Works have been notified.

KPRC 2 crews are heading to the scene and will provide an update shortly.