UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — A parking deck on Penn State University’s campus is being evacuated and is closed due to a sinkhole, according to Penn State Police.
PSU Police said the sinkhole is underneath a pillar in the Eisenhower parking garage. Eisenhower Road near the parking deck is currently closed as emergency officials are on the scene.
Penn State Police did say the hole is narrow, but deep and a currently measuring to see if it is continuing to sink.
WTAJ reached out to Penn State University and received the following response.
A sinkhole was reported near the front of Eisenhower Parking Deck, and, out of an abundance of caution, the area has been temporarily closed to the public. Engineers from Office of the Physical Plant have determined that it is safe for vehicle owners to remove their vehicles from the garage, although some vehicles may be unable to be moved at this time due to their proximity to the impacted area. Representatives from Transportation Services and University Police and Public Safety are on site to assist individuals whose vehicles are parked in the garage. The parking deck will remain closed until further notice. This is a developing situation, and we will share more information as it becomes available.
Penn State University Spokesperson
People have been lining up outside the parking garage, waiting to get their cars since about 4 p.m. Representatives from transportation services, police and public safety are on scene assisting, but the process is taking some time. Adrian Weaver spent the day worrying if she’d even be able to get to her car.
“I think we all were worried and we weren’t sure what was going on so it’s nice to what’s happening and that we are able to get them out,” Weaver said.
It should be noted that move-in week began Aug. 14 for students attending Penn State in the fall. The deck will be closed until further notice.
