The Mir Diamond Mine is the second largest man-made hole in the world. The only one larger is the Bingham Canyon open-pit copper mine in Utah, USA. Between the years of 1957 – 2001, this was a rich source of diamond and was nicknamed, the “Navel of the Earth.” This aerial view shows how creepy it looks from above to have a massive hole in the earth next to an industrial area.
Originally constructed by Stalin it was eventually abandoned as the cost of keeping the mine open became untenable. It’s crazy to think what humans are capable of, especially when you see it this starkly in a photograph.
Abandoned Rollercoaster, Nara Dreamland, Japan
This was a theme park in Japan that was said to be inspired by the ever-popular Disneyland parks. The Nara Dreamland park was initially opened in 1961 and was a popular attraction at one time. However, by 2006, it was agreed the park should close and now seems to be frequented by urban explorers and the occasional security guard. Some of the old rollercoasters still stand, such as the one named the Screw Coaster.
There is another abandoned roller coaster in the park named Aska. If you’re an urban explorer, make sure you have a permit as the guards here have a tendency to hand out tickets for trespassing. Frankly, it doesn’t look like the safest place to explore anyway!
Atkins Halls Apartments, Cork These apartments, St. Anne's Asylum
Atkins Halls. Located in Cork, Ireland, used to function as a mental asylum back in the 1800s. Today, half of the units have been converted into modern apartments, and the other half remained abandoned and are suffering from major conservational and structural problems.
The asylum was built as a three-story building, with a complex of buildings in a long line. As well as accommodation and treatment rooms for the patients, there was also a gate lodge and a church. We are sure the renovated sections of the building are beautiful, but it might feel a bit creepy imagining what may have taken place here in the past, as we know the treatment of the mentally ill was not kind.
Abandoned Railroad Track in A Forest
This beautiful sight is called the Jianqing Historical Trail and is located near the Taipinshan Villa in Taiwan. It was originally made up of a 5.5 km of log railway. Over time, trains stopped using the track, but visitors still enjoyed the natural beauty of the area and would use the path as a hiking trail.
About 2 km of the track was lost, and the path measured a distance of 2.3 km. This was until a typhoon hit in 2013 and destroyed all but 900 m of the hiking trail. It was sad to lose a lot of the trail, but people still visit and enjoy a short walk with spectacular views.
Submerged US WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning Discovered in Wales After 65 Years Under
This is an image of the Maid of Harlech, a United States Air Force Army (USAAF) fighter jet which is believed to have crashed during a training exercise off the coast of Wales in 1942. The pilot at the time, Robert F. Elliot was amazingly unharmed and managed to land the plane on its belly in the water. The only damage to the aircraft was a wing tip that was sheared off in the shallow waters. It wasn’t until 65 years later that the wreckage was discovered, with plans to retrieve it.
The rescue operation was announced by the charity, The International Group for Historical Aircraft Recovery. The idea is to donate the plane to the British Museum for historical aviation enthusiasts to enjoy. Specialist knowledge in how to preserve an aircraft that has been submerged in sea waters for decades needs to be applied to ensure the wreckage is kept intact.