The Most Terrifying Sinkhole Pictures You've Ever Seen

ReutersA Florida man is presumed dead after his bedroom was swallowed by a sinkhole last night.

This terrifying scenario is more common than you think.

Sinkholes occur when bedrock made of limestone or other carbonate rock is eaten away by acidic groundwater or a surge of pressure caused by heavy rains or burst pipes. They occur, sometimes suddenly, all over the U.S. as well as elsewhere in the world where the bedrock is susceptible — notably in China, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea.

The most dangerous chasms are the ones that cause parts of cities to collapse abruptly, and we've put together some of the best pictures of sinkholes devouring streets, sidewalks, and buildings all over the world.