Couple's home still condemned after sinkhole forms

A month after a sinkhole developed in the village of Boiling Springs, the south Middleton Township husband and wife whose home was damaged are still not allowed to move back in the condemned structure. The problem confronting Esther and Jack Helsel began in the early morning hours of February 12th.  A water main break is blamed for sink holes around their home in the 100 block of Walnut Street. 

It's quiet around the house now. Yellow caution tape flutters in the wind. Signs proclaiming the home condemned are nailed on the outside of the home. The ground sunk in at the house around the sidewalk that led to the front door. Cracks are visible in the foundation at the rear of the house. South Middleton Township crews patched up low spots in the road. Township emergency services manager Ron Hamilton says a geotechnical representative performed a detailed inspection of the structure and the terrain surrounding it. Hamilton has not been provided with the report. The results should help determine whether the home can be saved.

Officials report no more sinkholes or damage in the area. One township official recommends residents purchase sinkhole endorsements for their homeowners' insurance policies. Don't think you automatically have the necessary coverage.