Repairs to fix sinkhole loom as family grieves loss of loved one

Dora Linda Nishihara, 60, died after being submerged inside sinkhole

SAN ANTONIO – SAWS crews are now faced with the arduous task of repairing the Southwest Side sinkhole that took the life of a Bexar County deputy as the family tries to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Bexar County Sheriff's deputy Dora Linda Nishihara, 60, died after after her car fell into a sinkhole located on Quintana Road off of New Laredo Highway shortly after 7:30 p.m. Sunday while she was driving to work.  

Officials said two vehicles fell into the sinkhole after the ground ruptured sometime around 5:30 p.m. A first vehicle, driven by a 60-year-old man, was rescued by two Good Samaritans. First responders arrived to find Nishihara's car also submerged inside the sinkhole, firefighters said.

Both vehicles were pulled out just after 2 p.m. Monday.

SAWS crews are now faced with months of repair as the sinkhole is now 12 feet deep and two car-lengths long. SAWS said not only will they repair the junction of new fiberglass pipe that joined the 20 to 30-year-old concrete line which ruptured, but they will also tear up the road.

SAWS was already in the area replacing the sewer pipe, so they have the materials and equipment ready. The part that ruptured had just got completed this year, officials said.

Authorities said Quintana Road near New Laredo Highway will be shut down for months as they replace the line. SAWS said there is no danger to people living in the area as the sewage is contained to the hole.


About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.