A 60 feet wide and 15 feet deep sinkhole has opened up under Summer Bay Resort on U.S. Highway 192 in the Four Corners area of Clermont, 10 miles west of Disney World and 17 miles southeast of the Citrus Tower in Clermont.
About 30 percent of the three-story structure collapsed around 3 a.m. Monday. Thirty-six people were evacuated from buildings 104 and 105.
Security officer Richard Shanley said guests flagged him down five minutes into his shift as he was driving by building 104 just after 11 p.m. He is a former volunteer firefighter said his training kicked in as he went into the building. People are calling him a hero because he started pounding on doors, telling people they had to get out. He evacuated the building floor by floor, running through the center elevator building, which eventually completely collapsed.
Of course people were very upset. He and a co-worker did their best to keep people calm. A guest at the resort, Maggie Ghamry, said the area where she was staying is gone. “Those two buildings have concaved into one another the archway is gone,” Ghamry said. “Our floor is 50 feet underground. The whole side of the building we stayed in is gone, in chunks and pieces.”
The Red Cross is on the scene working to help the displaced guests.
Great Orlando Vacation Homes is offering to help guests by donating a few nights those who are displaced. Those affected are asked to call (407) 398-9840.
Unfortunately Sinkholes are really common here in Florida. However most don’t get this big.
Photo Credit: Channel 13 news
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My family has stayed here for many years-in fact we just stayed in the house section last month. My heart was so sad when I woke up to this news the other day. Well done on the part of the staff- and especially Mr. Shaneley! The fact that no one was hurt physically is such a blessing. I hope this will be resolved for Summer Bay soon and that no other part of the property is affected.
Great job Richard Shanley!