Onlookers check out a large sinkhole that chased a family from their home in Northampton County over the weekend. Authorities are still trying to determine what caused the ground to open up.

BETHLEHEM — A family has been evacuated from a home in eastern Pennsylvania after the discovery of a large sinkhole that developed underneath their home. Doris Jenkins said she heard a loud bang early Sunday morning and found part of her Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, house had been swallowed by the Earth. Jenkins, her daughter and granddaughter evacuated safely and fire officials have now declared the home uninhabitable.

Officials estimate the sinkhole is 25 to 30 feet wide and 10 to 12 feet deep. Now, crews are inspecting other homes near the property for similar problems.

Authorities couldn’t say if the cave-in was related to recent work on a sewer line nearby. Township officials say the work was being performed last week on a line that dates to the 1970s.