A state of disruption unfolded in central Athens shortly after midday on Wednesday, Jan. 14, when a sinkhole suddenly opened near the well-known Hilton Hotel. The ground collapse occurred at the intersection of Vasileos Georgiou B’ Avenue and Iofontos Street.
The hole, covering an area of approximately five square meters but with considerable depth, opened abruptly and reportedly “swallowed” a street lighting pole at the moment of its formation.
Traffic police immediately moved to close off the affected roads. Vehicle circulation has been suspended on Vasileos Georgiou B’ from the height of Spyrou Merkouri Street, and on Iofontos Street from Ergotimou Street.
At the same time, emergency crews have cordoned off the area, prohibiting access to both pedestrians and vehicles amid concerns over further subsidence of the ground
