Sheriff's deputy dies in San Antonio sinkhole

A passer-by helped another driver from the sinkhole, but were unable to reach the sheriff's vehicle

An off-duty sheriff's deputy died when her car fell into a sinkhole in San Antonio, in the US state of Texas, officials said.

Dora Linda Nishihara, 69, who worked as a courthouse bailiff, died after her car fell into the 12ft (3.6m) hole filled with water.

Her car was retrieved from the sinkhole by a crane on Monday, a day after it first appeared.

A second vehicle also fell into the hole and two other people were hurt.

The driver of the second vehicle was rescued by a witness, local media reported, but Ms Nishihara's vehicle had flipped on to its roof and was completely submerged.

The San Antonio Fire Department aided in the vehicle's recovery from fast-flowing water

The flow of water in the sinkhole was caused by a ruptured sewer line, local media reported.

Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau said her department was "heartbroken" and was assisting the family.