SAN DIEGO -- A large sinkhole may keep many residents out of their Normal Heights apartment complex for at least a week.

On Wednesday night, nearly two dozen people were evacuated from the complex after a sinkhole opened up underneath a part of the building's foundation along the north side of the complex.

The sinkhole was reported just before 7:30 p.m. at the apartment complex in the 4300 block of 39th Street. Crews estimated the sinkhole to be at least 18 feet down and 12 feet across.

City crews red-tagged the house as unsafe, and the adjacent home to the north also had a yellow tag on the door advising the residents not to occupy the home.

Eighteen residents were evacuated and San Diego Gas & Electric crews shut off gas and electric services to the complex. No injuries were reported.

Juan Garcia, a maintenance man, said the 18 residents would not be able to return anytime soon.

"It's very deep and dangerous," said Garcia, who also added private geologists would have to inspect the property Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday morning, a taxi dropped off two brothers who live in the two-story complex. Jamal Mohammed said he and his brother were picking up some belongings, but planned to stay with family members

City crews were busy Thursday morning examining the hole, but one of them told 10News it will be the owner's responsibility to make the repairs. Attempts to reach the complex owner have been unsuccessful.

One neighbor, who didn't want to be identified, said she was told she might have to evacuate. She stayed home from work Thursday waiting to find out if she'd have to leave.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents, 10News learned.