Clipmark

May 7, 2008: A zigzagging hole believed to be as long as two football fields and up to 100 feet deep is developing in Daisetta, Texas.

DAISETTA, Texas — The massive sinkhole, with the crumbling dirt around its edges resembling sharp teeth, had managed to swallow up oil tanks and barrels, tires, telephone poles and several vehicles.

Daisetta residents feared the appetite of the sinkhole, which began as a 20-foot hole in the ground on Wednesday but had grown to 900 feet across and 260 feet deep, would continue unabated Thursday and threaten nearby homes.

But by Thursday afternoon officials and geologists were hopeful the monstrous sinkhole was no longer as hungry.

"We're not sure it has completely stopped. We're confident it has slowed down," said Tom Branch, coordinator of the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management. "We feel a whole lot better today."

The mixture of oil and mud at the bottom of the sinkhole made it look like a tar pit.