Families Fear for Safety as Sinkholes Appear in South Dakota Neighborhood

Residents of the Hideaway Hills subdivision in South Dakota are facing significant safety concerns due to the emergence of sinkholes above an old underground mine. The area, developed between 2002 and 2004, was previously state-owned land where gypsum was mined. Homeowners have filed a $45 million lawsuit against the state, claiming negligence for selling land without disclosing the mining history and the risks associated with it. Testing revealed a large, improperly sealed mine and a deep pit mine beneath the neighborhood, affecting 158 homes and destabilizing roads and utilities. The state has expressed sympathy for the affected homeowners but denies liability, arguing that the mining activities date back to the early 1900s and that the mine's collapse would have occurred regardless of the cement plant's operations. They contend that the developer and homebuilders should have been aware of the mining history before proceeding with construction. The situation has left families like the Junkers, who have lived in the area for 15 years, in financial distress as they prepare for potential evacuation. Residents are particularly worried about the safety of their homes, fearing that the ground instability could lead to catastrophic collapses. The Junkers, who have invested in their home since 1929, are now facing uncertainty about their future and financial stability. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities of land ownership and the responsibilities of state entities in disclosing geological risks to potential homeowners. As the lawsuit unfolds, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of living above a hazardous site. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for transparency in real estate transactions involving land with a history of mining.