Geologists probe sinkhole incident in Hetauda after pickup truck disappears
According to the vehicle’s owner, Hariram Rai, the vehicle has still not been recovered.
KATHMANDU: A four-member team of geological experts from the Department of Mines and Geology has arrived at Gairigaun, located on the border of Wards 16 and 17 of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, to investigate a mysterious sinkhole incident that swallowed a Bolero pickup truck.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a single-cab Bolero pickup (registration number Na 4 Cha 4833) was driving along the road and suddenly vanished as the ground beneath it collapsed.
According to the vehicle’s owner, Hariram Rai, the vehicle has still not been recovered.
A large crater filled with murky water has now formed at the site.
Led by geologist Narayan Adhikari, the expert team began its investigation on the fifth day following the incident.
The unusual nature of the collapse has drawn significant public attention and concern.
While initial speculation suggests that shifting ground may have caused the incident, experts emphasize the need for scientific analysis to determine the root cause.
According to Adhikari, the investigation will focus on soil composition, underground water sources, and the area’s magnetic field.
The team will employ a proton magnetometer to analyze subsurface magnetic properties and detect any hidden geological anomalies.
It took two days after the incident for the Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City to convene a disaster management meeting and request support from geological experts.
The visiting team is currently collecting data to understand the scientific background behind the collapse.
Local residents remain alarmed. “We never imagined a vehicle could just disappear on the road,” said one local. “Now we’re afraid to even walk around here.”
