PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A water main break in Grays Ferry Friday night left residents scrambling to move their cars as cold water rushed into the street and engulfed surrounding blocks.
Firefighters, Philadelphia Water Department and Philadelphia Gas Works arrived along 28th and Dickinson streets around 8:30 p.m. to assess damage, search for the valve to stop gushing water, and go door-to-door to check on residents and probe for any gas leaks or further flooding.
The Water Department confirmed with our newsgathering partners at NBC10 they shut down a leaking 16-inch main.
“Heartbroken… truly heartbroken... We’re going to have to move people around and put them in housing and take care of them. And that’s the first thing, and we will worry about damages after,” said Michael, whose basement has severe water damage from the flood.
Neighbor Dawn said she was completely caught off guard by the break.
“This has never happened, I have never seen a water main break on this street,” she said.
The cause of the break is under investigation. In the meantime, 28th Street is blocked off because of a giant hole in the middle of the road. Drivers will have to avoid the area as crews work on repairs.