A water main rupture early this morning in North Philadelphia has left around 50 residents without access to running water. The Philadelphia Water Department responded to the scene at the junction of Thompson and Franklin streets after the 12-inch main collapsed, leading to extensive flooding of streets and sidewalks, as reported by FOX29.
Although the city's water department shut off the flow, residents saw water flooding their neighborhood, disrupting an otherwise calm Monday. "I thought it initially, the fire hydrant behind me. Then I saw the water coming out from the tree over there. It was everywhere," a local, Winter Evelyn, told CBS News. The volume of water was so significant that it led to the buckling of the affected streets observed in aerial footage captured by Chopper 3.
Most properties have had their service restored, but three homes remained without water as of noon. According to PHL17, the water department is investigating the break's cause and is undertaking steps to restore the supply to the impacted properties.
Despite the large quantity of water spilled onto the streets, there have been no injuries or significant property damage reported. Battalion Chief Thomas Hair remarked on the incident, highlighting the age of the city’s infrastructure. "Some of these mains might be over 100 years old," he told CBS News. Yet, this occurred in an area with a complex web of underground pipes, some dating back a century, only one vacant house experienced basement flooding, which fortunately did not reach electrical panels.
For those affected, the Philadelphia Water Department has provided a contact number (215-685-6300) where residents can get assistance and updates on service restoration. No evacuation orders were issued, and no vehicles were reported as damaged due to the break, with some being towed as a precaution.
