A massive sinkhole, followed by a second one, caused widespread alarm and destruction, have recently opened up in Siberia, Russia. One resulted in tragedy, while the other has become a spooky tourist attraction. These geological disasters, occurring 400 miles apart, are being called the “Gates of Hell.” Here’s a closer look at what happened and the eerie connections between these two mysterious sinkholes.
A Deadly Sinkhole in Russkiy Melkhituy Village

In Russkiy Melkhituy village, located in Russia’s Irkutsk region, a devastating sinkhole opened up without warning, claiming the life of a 38-year-old farmer.1 The farmer was operating a combine harvester when the ground gave way beneath him, plunging the vehicle into a 35-foot deep crater. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene: “The combine harvester is lying with its entire load, its full weight, on the cabin”.2
The cause of this sudden collapse is still unknown, with experts struggling to explain why the earth suddenly opened up in this rural area. Sinkholes can often form due to the dissolution of underground rock, but this particular incident has left many puzzled.
Read More: Scary Simulation Demonstrates What Would Happen if a Nuclear Bomb Were to Strike a City
A Second Sinkhole: The ‘Gate to Hell’ at Sheregesh Ski Resort

Around the same time as the tragic event in Russkiy Melkhituy, another massive sinkhole—nicknamed the “Gate to Hell”—widened dramatically at the popular Sheregesh Ski Resort, some 400 miles away. This massive crater, originally formed in December 2022 atop an abandoned iron-ore mine, had already been a tourist attraction for those daring enough to “gaze into hell.”
Spanning 165 feet wide and 600 feet deep before this latest collapse, the sinkhole suddenly grew in size, raising concerns about the stability of nearby holiday homes. Some reports suggest that an earthquake may have triggered the widening of the crater. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this second collapse, but it added to the eerie sense of foreboding that surrounds these twin sinkholes.
What Causes Sinkholes?

Sinkholes like the ones in Siberia typically form when water dissolves soluble rock beneath the ground, creating voids that eventually collapse under the surface weight. These geological formations can appear without warning, often swallowing up everything in their path, from vehicles to buildings.
According to the British Geological Survey, sinkholes are typically “saucer-shaped hollows” caused by the collapse of an underlying rock layer. Human activity, such as mining, can accelerate this natural process, which may explain the one at the Sheregesh Ski Resort. However, the sudden appearance of the sinkhole in Russkiy Melkhituy village remains a mystery.
The Tragic Aftermath in Russkiy Melkhituy

The death of the combine harvester driver in Russkiy Melkhituy village has sent shockwaves through the local community. At 35 feet deep, the sinkhole was large enough to completely engulf the farming vehicle, leaving the cabin crushed under the weight. The farmer, a 38-year-old man, had no chance of survival.
Authorities are still investigating the cause, but with no immediate explanation available, locals are left grappling with the fear that more sinkholes could appear in the region. “It’s terrifying not knowing when or where the ground might give way again,” one villager said.
Read More: Researchers Discover ‘Treasure Trove’ at Bottom of Ocean That Could ‘Change The World’
Sheregesh’s ‘Gate to Hell’: A Dangerous Attraction

At the Sheregesh Ski Resort, the enormous sinkhole has become something of a dark tourist destination. Thrill-seekers come to catch a glimpse of what has been dubbed the “Gate to Hell,” peering into the gaping chasm that stretches 600 feet down. The ski resort, famous for its swimsuit skiing competitions, now boasts this otherworldly attraction, drawing in curious visitors despite the potential dangers.
But the rapid deepening and widening of the sinkhole have raised alarms. Experts fear that nearby structures could be at risk if the ground continues to give way. For now, there have been no casualties, but the unpredictable nature of the sinkhole has authorities on edge.
The Impact of Human Activity on Sinkhole Formation

While sinkholes can form naturally, human activity—especially mining—can play a significant role in their formation. The Sheregesh sinkhole, for example, opened on top of an old iron-ore mine, where underground voids likely contributed to the collapse. The earth above weakened, and over time, gravity did the rest.
In contrast, the cause of the sinkhole in Russkiy Melkhituy is less clear, leaving experts to speculate whether natural geological processes or some other factors were at play. The sudden appearance of these two sinkholes within days of each other has many wondering if there are larger environmental factors at work.
Are More Sinkholes Coming?

The twin sinkholes that opened up 400 miles apart in Siberia serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature. As climate change and increased human activity disturb the earth’s surface, experts warn that sinkholes could become more frequent. Whether natural or man-made, these sudden disasters leave behind devastation and danger.
As researchers continue to study the sinkholes in Siberia, local residents are left to contend with the fear that more of these “Gates of Hell” might open beneath their feet.
Nature’s Unpredictable Power

The tragic death of a farmer in Russkiy Melkhituy and the widening of the ‘Gate to Hell’ at Sheregesh serve as chilling reminders of the unpredictable nature of sinkholes. While the causes of these two disasters remain under investigation, the fear and fascination surrounding sinkholes are likely to grow. Whether natural or influenced by human activity, these geological events demonstrate the earth’s capacity to shift beneath our feet at any moment.
Read More: The Future of Ocean Transportation? Japan Testing Clean Energy Biomethane-Powered Ships