Jun 15, 2009 1:54 am US/Eastern
Massive Water Main Break Floods Bronx Neighborhood
BRONX (CBS) ―
A Bronx neighborhood woke to a flood of water Sunday morning after a massive water main burst, sending thousands of gallons of water into area streets and businesses.
In the early morning hours, the corner of 231st Street and Broadway burst open and water came gushing out. Underneath, a water main had ruptured, sending 10,000 gallons of water a minute up and onto the street.
"I got a call about 5:30 [in the morning] saying there was a flood," resident Miguel Henriquez says. "I didn't imagine it was going to be like this."
Four blocks had to be closed as crews worked to shut off the water, which was creeping into businesses. Miguel Henriquez's two fully restored vintage cars were inside a flooded Riverdale parking garage, costing tens of thousands in damage.
"It's a 1966 Chevy Impala Supersport. It's got a 454 big block, all original, original paint, numbers matching, yeah $60,000 easy. It's my baby," he said. "I also have a '69 Lincoln with the suicide doors sitting in there, that the tow truck wouldn't pull out, about $100,000 at this point.
It took more than 3 hours, but DEP workers were finally able to close the valves and stop the water – but moments later, a section of 231st Street collapsed.
As soon as the water was shut off, the clean up began up and down Broadway, as well as in the basements of businesses that were damaged.
Fire fighters cut open locks and found close to a foot of water inside some basements. Instead of serving customers, staff at restaurants were busy cleaning up.
"We don't have that many customers, cause the street is closed," Glenys Abrubreu, of El Economico restaurant, said. "We don't have customers today – maybe later."
The cause of the water main break is being investigated.
Four blocks are still closed to traffic Sunday evening. Water has been restored, and officials are advising residents that it's safe to drink – although it may be discolored for part of the evening.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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