A sinkhole turned out be an underground tunnel leading to a Florida bank
02/01/2019 10:22 am PST
via WTKR:
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WTKR/CNN) -- Public works employees in Florida stumbled upon something they don't see every day: a small “claustrophobic” tunnel leading to a Chase bank, according to the FBI.
The Pembroke Pines public works employees responded to a report of a possible sinkhole near the bank on Flamingo Road on Tuesday night and discovered the tunnel, which was about 50 yards long, with a power cord inside and a small generator at the foot, the FBI said Wednesday.
“It's approximately 2-foot, maybe 3-foot in diameter. It's very small, it's very claustrophobic,” FBI Miami Special Agent Michael D. Leverock told reporters.
The tunnel was near a wooded area south of the bank, which is in a shopping complex across the street from the tunnel's entrance. The tunnel didn't reach the bank, the FBI said, adding that it is investigating the discovery as an attempted bank burglary. No arrests have been made.
“They're heading towards the ATM. I don't think they were doing that for any other reason,” Leverock said.
Authorities believe more than one person likely dug the tunnel, apparently using pick axes, Leverock said. A winch and a small wagon used to haul away dirt, debris and rocks was found, he said. Police also discovered a pair of muddy boots, a small homemade ladder and a stool, according to WPLG.
Authorities don't know where the tunnel ends yet or when it was abandoned, Leverock said. Rainfall over the past few days may have caused it to collapse, he said.
MORE: A sinkhole turned out be an underground tunnel leading to a Florida bank - WTKR