On January 31, 2026, a 15-meter-deep sinkhole opened near a Mobil gas station in New Cairo, Egypt, swallowing two buildings and prompting immediate evacuations. Security footage captured the dramatic collapse, showing vehicles and nearby shops plunging into the void amid clouds of dust as crowds scrambled to safety. Despite the scale of the incident, no fatalities were reported, although two individuals inside affected structures sustained minor injuries.

Initial speculation suggested that nearby construction caused the collapse, but local authorities have attributed the sinkhole to a burst water main on El-Mosheer Tantawy Axis, in proximity to the Cairo International Book Fair. The sudden nature of the collapse highlighted the risks posed by aging infrastructure combined with underground utility failures in densely built areas of the city.

Emergency responders quickly secured the area, assisting residents and diverting traffic to prevent further accidents. The sinkhole left significant damage to the buildings and surrounding pavement, prompting investigations into water main integrity, construction safety protocols, and urban planning oversight. Officials emphasized that prompt evacuation and security measures prevented loss of life, turning a potentially deadly event into a near-miss for residents and bystanders.