Another large sinkhole opens up in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A sinkhole large enough to swallow a car opened up in Omaha Friday, closing off roads and reportedly putting people in danger.

The sinkhole is located near 57th and Pratt streets, in north-central Omaha, not too far away from another large sinkhole near 33rd and Cass streets in Midtown.

“We woke up this morning to let the dogs out, and we saw water flooding the street,” Riley Winfrey, who lives near 57th and Pratt streets, told 6 News.

Winfrey said she then saw the car stuck in the massive sinkhole with woman and her two young kids inside.

“They were scared. Like screaming cause half of their car was in the pit. It was like teeter-tottering,” she said.

Winfrey says she ran over and helped them get out.

“Opened up the passenger side door and grabbed the kids out first, and then she put the car in park and then got out of the car also. She was just scared. She was panicking,” Winfrey said.

She said she’s thankful everyone got out OK, but she remains shaken.

“It’s kind of terrifying,” she said.

A Metropolitan Utility District spokesperson tells 6 News that Friday morning their crews responded to a water main break near 57th and Pratt streets. However, MUD stopped short of taking blame for the sinkhole, saying in part, “Upon arrival, our crews saw a vehicle stuck in a sinkhole. We are working to ensure a safe, efficient repair process.”

This sinkhole comes as repairs continue on sewer lines along 33rd Street south of Cass Street, where another large sinkhole developed in May 2024.

Leo Williams has lived in Midtown Omaha for decades. He says something needs to be done before someone gets hurt.

“I think it’s dangerous and I think it needs to be taken care of because there’s a lot of kids in this neighborhood, there’s a lot of traffic down through here. So, I’m really concerned that if it’s not taken care of we could have a serious problem,” he said.

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