Sydney CBD Sinkhole Shuts Down Local School
A substantial sinkhole has emerged in Sydney’s central business district (CBD), resulting in the closure of a local school. The incident occurred following severe flash flooding that affected the area.
Incident Overview
On February 27, 2026, a large hole surfaced at the intersection of Prince Albert Road and St Mary’s Road. This location is adjacent to St Mary’s Cathedral and Hyde Park. Initial investigations suggest that a burst water pipe caused the sinkhole.
School Closure and Water Supply Interruptions
The sinkhole forced St Mary’s Cathedral College, a K-12 co-educational institution, to send its high school students home that morning. The principal, Kerrie McDiarmid, advised parents of primary students to pick them up early, although supervision continued until the end of the school day.
- Time of Incident: Approximately 7 AM on February 27, 2026
- Location: Intersection of Prince Albert Road and St Mary’s Road
- Nearby Landmark: St Mary’s Cathedral
Due to the sinkhole, Sydney Water had to shut off the water supply to several nearby businesses, impacting essential services such as restrooms.
Emergency Response
The emergence of the sinkhole resulted in the stranding of a Coles delivery truck. Efforts to remove the vehicle involved at least two towing trucks. Workers from the council and Sydney Water closed St Mary’s Road from Prince Albert Road as they began repairs.
Impact on Transportation
Public transport was also affected as buses were redirected away from the area due to the repairs and ongoing safety concerns. The incident compounded existing issues caused by the heavy rainfall in the region.
Flooding Events in Sydney
The sinkhole occurred in the aftermath of intense rainfall, where Sydney experienced over 100 millimeters of rain in just three hours. This weather led to numerous accidents and flooding incidents across various suburbs.
- Rainfall Details: 83 millimeters recorded in Sydney CBD
- Emergency Services Responses: 42 urgent rescues across the metropolitan area
- Most Affected Suburbs:
- Strathfield
- Greenacre
- Fairfield East
- Yagoona
- Chester Hill
Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns of the NSW State Emergency Service reported over 40 flood rescues primarily in South West Sydney.
Weather Forecast and Precautions
Additional rain showers are expected throughout the afternoon and evening. Although these are predicted to be lighter than the previous downpour, residents are advised to remain cautious due to the potential for flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
This incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructure assessments in flood-prone areas, given the increasing severity of weather patterns.
