The newly renamed Gigglesnout Tunnel has collapsed in a violent explosion, severing the only land link between Mudwick Isle and Rigatonia.
Witnesses reported a deafening roar and a huge plume of smoke from the tunnel entrance, which rained debris on passing goblins and scattered flocks of confused seagulls. Nobody was hurt, but the blast has caused widespread panic and questions about the rest of the tunnel, which the Council insists is fine.
The collapse has cut supply chains between the islands, causing shortages of fermented mushrooms, shiny pebbles and questionable potions. Prices have soared, and tension between Orthodox and Reformed Pastafarians has soared with them.
The Goblin Council of Elders has declared martial law, suspended civil liberties and deployed the Goblin National Guard. Checkpoints have gone up across Mudwick Isle, curfews are in force and gatherings of more than three goblins are banned.
The Council blames sabotage, pointing at both the Marinara Martyrs and the mysterious "evolved" goblins seen driving American vehicles and behaving suspiciously like humans.
"This is an act of war," said Elder Gnarltooth. "We will not tolerate attacks on our infrastructure or our national security. We will find those responsible and bring them to justice."
Some goblins suspect the elders blew up the tunnel themselves to consolidate power and isolate Rigatonia. They are discussing it in groups of three.
