Sinkhole Exposes Ancient Tunnels Beneath Beaufort Castle
Crews conducting routine maintenance at Beaufort Castle discovered a massive sinkhole on Tuesday, revealing a network of previously unknown tunnels beneath the historic fortress, authorities confirmed.
WHAT: A sudden ground collapse exposed concealed subterranean passageways near the castle's main courtyard.
WHEN: The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 AM local time on Tuesday, November 7.
WHERE: Beaufort Castle, a medieval stronghold in southern France.
WHO: Engineering teams and archaeological experts have been dispatched to the site by the French Ministry of Culture.
WHY: Preliminary assessments suggest the tunnels may date back to the 12th century, potentially used for escape routes or secret storage during periods of siege.
Officials have cordoned off the area pending a full structural evaluation, and no injuries were reported. The discovery is expected to draw significant tourism interest, as Beaufort Castle has been a focal point for historical preservation efforts. Further investigations are underway to map the full extent of the tunnel network, with estimates indicating it could span over 500 meters.