Man calls News 4 for help after drain collapsed for 8 months

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) — A collapsed drain has formed a hole big enough for someone to stand in and it has neighbors concerned. The hole is in the back alley by the driveways to get into multiple homes.

One neighbor said it first started collapsing in December when a sewer grate fell in and is worried it’s going to get worse.

“It was a hole about, you know, three feet by four feet. I’m at a loss as to what to do,” said Jim Taylor, a concerned neighbor.

However, over time, the hole got bigger.

“Since then, it has turned into this gaping, monstrous hole,” said Taylor.

Taylor said it looked like a water feature when it rained as it filled up with heavy rain.

“I’m just getting more and more concerned because every time it does rain, it erodes further and further underneath the lane and eventually this whole drive through and it’ll collapse,” said Taylor.

So, Taylor called the city for help, but said he was told the street wasn’t city property so they couldn’t fix it.

He also said he tried contacting the company who owns his home.

They told Taylor to also call the city, which left Taylor worried since no one was claiming responsibility to fix it.

“That’s when I contacted you guys because I’m just concerned that the whole thing is going to collapse and it’s going to hurt somebody,” said Taylor.

News 4 called the city on Wednesday and got the same response that it wasn’t the city’s property, but they would look into it.

Within a couple hours, News 4 got a message that it was the city’s responsibility after all and it would be fixed soon.

“Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe it. That after six months of me having to hassle with the city and ONG and within 6 hours, you had it done. It was incredible,” said Taylor.

Thursday, our crew went out to the home again and saw city crews putting up road closed signs to block the hole.

“I can’t believe that Channel 4 was able to do this. I, texted you night before last. Yesterday morning you were here. And by yesterday, noon, you got the thumbs up from the city. So it’s great. You guys did a fantastic job,” said Taylor.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.