A massive sinkhole swallowed a public transit bus during heavy rains this morning in the city of Veracruz.

No one was hurt when the bus fell into the big hole while it was parked at the roadside in the Oasis residential area. Four nearby houses were evacuated initially and at least 20 more since because the rain hadn’t stopped and the sinkhole was getting larger, said Civil Protection officials.

One said that 125 millimeters of rain fell between 8:00am and 1:00pm today.

Residents of at least 10 other houses in other parts of the city were also evacuated for fear they would collapse due to sinkholes.

The Army is on hand and has activated protocols to provide rescue and support services where needed.

The rain has been constant in the state during the past week, and authorities warn there is more to come over the next 48 hours.

The bus is expected to remain in the hole until tomorrow morning.

Source: Milenio (sp), e-consulta (sp)