Man Died Sucked In 13 Meters Deep Pool Sink Hole During Pool Party At Villa, Owner Allegedly Didn't Have Planning Permit

Israeli rescue workers at the pool site. (Source: Israel Fire & Rescue Service via BBC)

JAKARTA - Two men have been brought to justice after a man was sucked to death when a sinkhole opened under a swimming pool where he was at a party.

The incident took place at a villa hosting a corporate event in the center of the city of Karmi Yosef, 40 km southeast of Tel Aviv, Israel.

The victim has been identified as a 32-year-old company employee. A couple in their 60s who own the property were arrested on suspicion of causing death by negligence.

Mobile phone footage of the incident shows people in swimming costumes in and around the nearly empty pool watching in shock as water rushes into the large opening, taking inflatable objects with them.

A man who came close to take a look slipped backwards, but managed to get up, barely evading also being pulled into it.

A voice of disbelief off-camera is heard to exclaim, "What?" in Hebrew, as quoted by BBC 22 July.

Media reports said the victim, Klil Kimhi, fell into a 13-meter-deep hole. They said it took rescue teams four hours to reach them.

As for the second person who also fell into the pit, but managed to climb out, suffered minor injuries.

One of the partygoers told Israel's Channel 12 News that there were about 50 people at the gathering. While others said there were only about six people in the pool, when the sinkhole was opened, Israeli media reported.

"The water level suddenly started to recede and a hole opened, creating a vortex that swept away the two people inside," the unnamed woman told Channel 12 News.

The Times of Israel quoted local media as saying the homeowner had built a pond without planning permission at the site, which is known to have infrastructure problems.