A dramatic scene unfolded in Hyde Park when a burst water main led to a large crater that engulfed the front wheels of a Kia van. The vehicle remained trapped for over two hours as onlookers watched the spectacle.

The incident wasn’t isolated, as another water main break earlier in the morning had already caused flooding on Park Street, compounding the chaos.

Witness Sanja Nikolic recounted the surreal moment, saying, “We’re just standing here watching the car sink, and there was no one here. I ended up directing traffic initially.”

The water posed a serious threat to nearby homes, flooding a basement beneath a young family’s house while neighbors anxiously observed the encroaching waters.

The unlucky travelers in the van were tourists from the Northern Territory. They were en route to return their rental car before catching a flight home. Unfortunately, what began as a minor inconvenience quickly escalated as they drove into what initially seemed like a shallow ditch, only to find themselves stuck and unable to reverse course.

They first drove into what was a small ditch, and soon there was no turning back.

“We could still see the number plate of the car, like it was submerged maybe that much, but then over time, it’s been maybe an hour,” Nikolic said.

Both the driver and her passenger managed to get out of the van and caught an Uber to the airport.

Two hours later, SA Water crews finally cut the supply, leaving about 50 homes without water.

The car was eventually pulled from the crater.