Assumption residents demand answers about sinkhole

Residents near a large sinkhole that opened up in Assumption Parish are demanding answers and a plan of action from their state and local officials.

Officials told them Tuesday night at a community meeting in Pierre Part that they are doing their best to find an explanation for the 372-foot wide sinkhole that swallowed up bald cypress trees and evacuated dozens of people from their homes Friday.

State officials say preliminary tests indicate there are no flammable substances in the air or water. They also said the diesel that residents reported smelling over the weekend did not exceed hazardous levels.

Officials say a potential cause of the sinkhole might be from a well drilled into the salt dome under the pond of muck.