City cites cause of roadway cave-in under school bus in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 1:18 p.m. 8/27/2025] According to initial assessments made by City of Savannah crews, the roadway cave-in at the intersection of Richards St. and Fell St. “appears to have been caused by aging stormwater drainage infrastructure around a manhole.”

Officials say this intersection holds numerous utility lines and will remain closed until further notice.

“Crews continue to assess all infrastructure in the area to ensure proper repairs are made and there’s no interruptions to service delivery,” the city said in a statement.

[UPDATE 11:00 a.m. 8/27/25] Savannah’s Mayor Van Johnson gave an update after the road caved in under a school bus Wednesday morning.

The mayor said initial assessment by city crews shows the roadway cave in appears to have been caused by aging stormwater drainage infrastructure around a manhole.

He says the intersection will remain closed until further notice.

“The intersection holds numerous utility lines. Crews continue to assess all infrastructure in the area to ensure proper repairs are made and there’s no interruptions to service delivery,” wrote Mayor Van Johnson.

[ORIGINAL STORY] A Chatham County school bus was in a sinkhole at the intersection of Richards Street and Fell Street Wednesday morning.

According to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, there were 11 students on board at the time. Everyone was evacuated safely and no one was injured.

The Savannah Fire Department says the intersection is closed and a detour is in place. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.