A very large and deep hole caused traffic chaos along the Charles de Gaulle Avenue in eastern Santo Domingo yesterday. The hole, which from photographs appears to be a sewer access manhole, caused the closure of half a kilometer of the main thoroughfare. According to Hoy, the geological fault was caused by subterranean aquifers that had swelled during the recent rains. In addition, there is a nearby creek and, according to local residents in the area, the drainage system has been blocked for several months. AMET officers were called in to untangle the traffic mess and keep cars and trucks moving in both directions. The road, which was built nearly 15 years ago, has received minimal maintenance.