At first, it appeared to be a pothole in the pavement in front of a truck bay at the Houston Rural Fire Department station on Walnut Street in downtown Houston. But when department personnel dealt with the situation last Friday, the hole turned out to be a 29-foot deep cistern.
“It probably dates back to horse and buggy days,” said Houston Rural firefighter Jon Cook.
The cistern’s location allowed trucks to miss it — the hole was directly between the path taken by the tires.
Had it been two feet to either side, it likely would have been discovered much sooner.
“I’m just glad it wasn’t one of those big sink holes you see on TV that could have swallowed our truck,” said Houston Rural Fire Chief Don Gaston.
The hole was reinforced with welded rebar and filled with concrete.
Anyone with information about the origination of the cistern is encouraged to call the Herald at 417-967-2000, or email editor@houstonherald.com.
I’m just glad it wasn’t one of those big sink holes you see on TV that could have swallowed our truck,” said Houston Rural Fire Chief Don Gaston.