Sinkhole devours cars in Madison parking lot

About 300 residents had to evacuate an apartment complex in Madison, Wisconsin, after a water pipe broke, creating a sinkhole that swallowed three vehicles.

While residents had to evacuate four buildings due to initial concerns about a gas leak, that danger was later ruled out.

Fire officials said the sink hole was caused by a water line break. If they need overnight shelter, the Red Cross will re-evaluate and decide on a different shelter later in the afternoon.

Fordem Avenue will be closed between the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Johnson Street in the inbound direction.

Authorities encourage motorists to avoid this area if possible. The water main was privately owned by the apartment complex and will be fixed by a private contractor.

Schuster says the division is monitoring the complicated for explosive gases and that water service has been turned off in any respect 4 buildings.