International audienceThe features of a sinkhole that occurred at a critical node within the road network of the Metropolitan District of Quito are described first. The negative consequences of this event on the district’s functioning and in particular on mobility are presented after. The vulnerability factors that allow a better understanding of the causes of sinkholes and the related traffic disruptions are detailed. Then, the efficient management of this event led by the Municipality of Quito is described. Finally the lessons of this event for risks preparedness are highlighted. The evolution of the legal framework relating to urban land production, the investments in hydraulic infrastructures and the reflections about citizen mobility t...