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Sinkhole home demolished: Florida authorities began demolishing the home that was damaged by a sinkhole that opened up suddenly underneath it.
Sinkhole home demolished: A crowd gathers at the home of Jeff Bush after he was consumed by a sinkhole while lying in bed last night, March 1, 2013 in Seffner, Florida. First responders were not able to reach Bush after he disappeared and now say it is a recovery mission. (Edward Linsmier/Getty Images)
The Florida home severely damaged by a sinkhole last week is currently being demolished by local authorities.
The move comes a day after the officials called off a search and rescue effort for a man who fell into the sinkhole while he was sleeping. Rescuers said there have been no signs of life since Thursday night.
The Associated Press reported Sunday that a large machine moved into position to dismantle the Tampa, Fla., home. The machine, equipped with a bucket scoop, was believed to be on solid ground as it operated.
The machine smashed into the walls of the home, which lasted for around three hours, reported CNN. The remaining demolition will take place until Monday morning.
Hillsborough County administrator Mike Merrill said they are attempting to move the home from over the sinkhole so the family could gather some of their belongings. Currently, authorities have deemed the structure too unsafe to enter due to the risk of collapse.
“We don’t know, in fact, whether it will collapse or whether it will hold up,” Merrill said told AP.
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Officials said they salvaged a number of belongings of the family, including a Bible, an American flag, military awards, and other items.
However, authorities could not recover the body of Jeff Bush, 37, who is presumed dead. The sinkhole opened up directly under his bedroom. “Everything was gone. My brother’s bed, my brother’s dresser, my brother’s TV. My brother was gone,” Jeremy Bush, his brother, told the network.
“We just have not been able to locate Mr. Bush, and so for that reason the rescue effort is being discontinued,” Merrill said Saturday evening, according to CNN. “At this point, it’s really not possible to recover the body.”
Two neighboring houses were deemed unsafe to live in, as officials believe the ground underneath them was compromised by the sinkhole.
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