Part of one of Belfast City Centre's busiest streets has collapsed into a large hole, causing major disruption to both traffic and business.
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.
The tarmac at Cromac Street sagged and left a hole which road engineers believe could stretch up to 161sq ft (15sq metres) causing major disruption to both traffic and business.
Officials from the Northern Ireland Roads Service are trying to establish the cause of the collapse, which was discovered on Saturday morning and will take days to fix.
Contractors were on site within hours, sealing off the scene and digging up the road.
Northern Ireland Water confirmed that the depression developed above a storm-water tunnel, which is part of the £120m Belfast sewers project.
The project, which aims to improve water quality in both the River Lagan and Blackstaff River while reducing the risk of flooding within the inner city, will see a six-mile network of tunnels run underneath the city.
In an apologetic statement, the company said: "NI Water staff are on site and are working closely with other utilities to secure the site, a full investigation is under way to determine the cause of the road depression.
"NI Water will commence repairs as soon as possible.
"NI Water would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to the public."
Cromac Street has been closed at the junction with East Bridge Street.
"Time will tell just how long it's going to take to fix, but if it lasts a few days it's going to have great consequences," Roads Service spokesman Colin Brown told UTV.
"Commuters should be aware this is likely to be in place on Monday so they can make alternative arrangements".
Mr Brown said voids can periodically form under roads.
"Sometimes it's very clear what has caused it, other times it's quite a mystery," he said.
Sinn Féin MLA for south Belfast Alex Maskey has said that he had received assurances from NI Water that the Belfast Sewers Project had been in no way affected by the collapse.
"I have been assured by the Water Service that this has in no way damaged or affected the Sewers Project.
"The Roads Service has also indicated that they will be outlining the traffic management plans for the coming days in the time ahead."
Mr Maskey also praised the Roads Service for their swift response.
"Thankfully no one was injured and obviously I am grateful for that."
Traders at St George's Market said business had been badly affected on Saturday.
Translink said Citybound metro bus services in the area are diverted via Cromac Street, Ormeau Avenue and Linenhall Street.
Citybound Ulsterbus services are also diverted via Short Strand and Queens Bridge.
© UTV News