Man Rescued From Backyard Sinkhole in Phoenix

A Phoenix man was pulled from a six-foot sinkhole in his backyard after first responders were called Sunday afternoon.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Emergency Response

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a dark geometric void in pale desert earth beneath a cream sky, evoking ground collapse in a Phoenix yard. — A Phoenix man was rescued Sunday from a six-foot sinkhole that opened in his backyard, and he was taken to a hospital in stable condition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A man fell into a sinkhole in his Phoenix backyard Sunday afternoon and could not climb out on his own. A rescue technician entered the hole and pulled him out, and he was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

Why it matters

The rescue shows how a sudden ground collapse in a residential yard can trap a person and require specialized response. Local residents with yards and driveways may be reminded of the risks that sinkholes pose in the Phoenix area.

The sinkhole measured about six feet deep, and first responders were dispatched around 3 p.m. Sunday to the site at 24th Street and Thomas Road. The cause of the collapse has not been identified.

The players

Phoenix Fire Department

The Phoenix Fire Department is the municipal fire and emergency medical agency that responded to the backyard sinkhole rescue.

The details

A man suffered a chest injury after falling into the sinkhole in his backyard and could not get out without help. A rescue technician went into the hole to pull him out, and a truck that had partially fallen into the hole was stabilized before the rescue. No firefighters were injured.

Sunday, around 3 p.m.: First responders were called to the sinkhole at 24th Street and Thomas Road.

Seasonal Patterns

Sinkhole collapses in the Phoenix area are part of a documented pattern of ground subsidence in the Valley's developed neighborhoods. This Sunday rescue adds one more local incident to that record, though the available information does not connect it to a broader trend.

Residents with yards or driveways should be alert to new depressions, cracks, or soft ground, and report them to local authorities. Anyone who sees a suspected sinkhole should keep clear of the area and call emergency services.

The takeaway

Sinkholes can open without warning, so noticing unusual ground changes early can help prevent a dangerous fall. Keeping a safe distance and calling emergency services right away is the best response.