Residents of the Hideaway Hills subdivision in South Dakota are facing a nightmare scenario as sinkholes threaten their homes and safety. The situation arose due to the development of the subdivision on land above an old mine, leading to numerous sinkholes opening up and causing instability in the area.
The residents, including Stuart and Tonya Junker, have filed a lawsuit against the state seeking $45 million in damages to cover the value of their homes and legal costs. The state, however, has denied liability, placing blame on the developers, realtors, and homebuilders who chose to build over the abandoned mine without disclosing its existence to buyers.
The state's defense in court documents points to the mining history of the area dating back to the 1900s, with various entities involved in mining activities over the years. The state claims that the collapse of the underground mine was inevitable and not directly linked to the state-owned cement plant's operations.
Despite the tragic circumstances faced by the residents, the state has requested the dismissal of the case, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with the developers and builders who proceeded with the neighborhood's development despite knowledge of the past mining activities.
For the affected residents like the Junkers, the lawsuit represents their best chance of seeking compensation and potentially escaping the hazardous conditions they currently live in. The uncertainty and fear have taken a toll on their daily lives, with Stuart Junker having to work extra jobs to prepare for a possible evacuation.
The Hideaway Hills situation, with its large sinkholes endangering numerous homes, has garnered attention from experts in the field of geological engineering. The unique circumstances of the case may serve as a cautionary tale in future textbooks, highlighting the importance of thorough due diligence in land development projects.
