A massive 25-foot sinkhole opened up at a construction site in Ventura, California, swallowing vehicles and damaging nearby property — the result of what officials have labeled a “shoring failure.”

The sinkhole appeared in late May near Thompson Boulevard and East Front Street at the site of a new apartment complex. Though it initially resembled a natural sinkhole, city officials later clarified it was caused by a collapse in structural support during excavation.

“A water well was discovered during construction and the digging didn’t stop,” according to a post from community group Ventura Forward on Instagram. “Massive amounts of water have been pumped off location since construction started weeks ago.”

Drone footage and photos from the site revealed two pickup trucks tilted into the hole, their tires barely touching fractured pavement. Another vehicle teetered on the edge of the collapse. A nearby storage unit and fence were visibly impacted.

No Immediate Danger, But Residents Uneasy

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. But the event sparked concerns among locals about the safety of construction practices in their neighborhoods.

“They didn’t shore up the foundation, and they dug a hole and it collapsed. Dumb,” said Ventura resident Woody Maxwell to KTLA. “Considering the stuff they can fix, I’m sure they can fix this. It’s just going to cost time and money.”

City officials red-tagged an adjacent property, making it temporarily uninhabitable. They assured the public there is “no current threat to life safety,” and said engineers are working on stabilization plans.

“City staff are working closely with construction engineers to evaluate the situation and determine appropriate repairs and potential temporary measures to prevent further damage,” city officials said in a statement.

Why It Happened: Understanding 'Shoring Failure'

A shoring failure occurs when temporary support systems collapse under the weight of surrounding soil or structures. These supports are critical during deep excavation and foundation work. Improper shoring can lead to catastrophic collapse, particularly if groundwater is involved — as appears to be the case in Ventura.

Shoring failures are rare but dangerous and can indicate code violations, poor engineering, or rushed construction timelines.

What Can You Do If It Happens Near You?

If your property or vehicle is damaged due to a construction accident like this, California law gives you options:

1. Sue for Negligence

If a construction company ignored building codes or safety standards, you may be able to file a negligence claim. You could be compensated for:

• Physical damage
• Loss of use
• Diminished property value
• Emotional distress or inconvenience

You’ll need to prove the contractor breached a duty of care. A construction defect attorney can help build your case.

2. File an Insurance Claim

• Homeowners or commercial property insurance might cover damage due to ground movement or structural failure — though some policies exclude earth movement unless it's natural.
• Auto insurance with comprehensive coverage may cover damage to parked vehicles.

If the construction firm is found liable, your insurer may recover costs through subrogation.

3. Decide What’s Faster or Better

Insurance claims may resolve more quickly, but lawsuits can recover additional losses or force accountability if policies don’t cover the full damage.

A Broader Issue: Oversight and Risk

The Ventura sinkhole incident has renewed scrutiny on construction oversight and groundwater management. With urban infill and high-density projects increasing across California, more developers are digging deep — sometimes literally — to build bigger, faster, and cheaper.

However, cases like this serve as a reminder of the risks when proper engineering safeguards are overlooked.

As the city evaluates next steps, residents and officials alike will be watching to see how builders and regulators prevent such disasters in the future.

Originally reported by Danielle Antosz in Yahoo News.