First residents and business owners return home after Putxet sinkhole evacuations

The first residents and business owners evacuated after the sinkhole by the metro Line 9 in Puntxet opened started to return to their homes and businesses on Monday.

One restaurant affected, Sant Gervasi, was given the confirmation that the building is safe by municipal technicians. 

Owner Miquel Santamarta promises that by Tuesday "we will have everything open 100%."

After entering the building, Santamarta said that the space will not need any additional work from sinkhole damages. 

He will clean and tidy the restaurant that hasn't been touched for two weeks, and open it back up for normal operation. 

The sinkhole opened on July 7, and forced residents of eight buildings, including 93 apartments, to evacuate in Barcelona's Putxet neighbourhood. 

Santamarta said the eviction occurred suddenly, with firefighters ordering him and the patrons of his restaurant to leave immediately.

On Monday, residents and business owners were given the all clear to return to two of the eight affected buildings, while technical checks continue in the rest of the properties.

Of the six buildings that have been deemed not safe, at least one resident was told they will have to wait a minimum of four more weeks before they are able to return home.