Man dies after getting sucked into a sinkhole that opened under swimming pool

Chandigarh, July 23

A house party in Israel turned nightmare for guests after a sinkhole opened under the swimming pool and sucked a man down a hole 13-metres deep.

The horrifying incident occurred during a company party in the town of Karmi Yosef, Israel. The swimming pool was located inside a private villa that was chosen as the venue for the party.

Mobile phone footage of the incident shows people in swimming costumes in and around the near-empty pool watching in shock as the water drains away into a large hole, taking with it inflatable objects.

A man who edges near to have a look slips backwards, but manages to get up, narrowly avoiding also being pulled into it. People sitting around the pool were heard yelling and trying to clamber out.

The victim of the tragedy was later identified as Klil Kimhi, a company employee in his early 30s. He was found dead by the police after a search and rescue mission. Local reports indicate that Kimhi fell into the 13-meter sinkhole, and it took the rescuers four hours to reach him.

Around 50 people attended the party, of which six were inside the pool when the sinkhole opened up. One man managed to climb out and needed medical attention, while the others were unharmed, except Kimhi.

The couple who owned the villa were arrested by police. They have been accused of causing death by negligence. Police have opened an investigation into the case, and will look into allegations that the homeowners built a swimming pool on their property without proper licensing and permits.