Water main break in Hollywood floods streets, causes delays for motorists

FORT LAUDERDALE -- Crews in Hollywood were working Wednesday to repair a water main that ruptured Wednesday when crews working to lay pipe in the area accidentally struck it, authorities said.

The water main break on Washington Street between 19th and 20th avenues caused flooding in the area and led to delays for motorists.

"A telecom company was working in the area, they were actually drilling underground when they inadvertently hit our brand new water line," said Joann Hussey, spokeswoman for the city.   

Municipal crews were trying to isolate the site of the break so they could make repairs.

Drivers were told to avoid the area while crews worked to repair the line. 

Cell phone video captured the moment water was seen bubbling out of the ground on

"At worst it might have been  3- or 4-foot gusher coming out of the ground," said Hendrikus Wynberg, who lives just steps away from the water main break. "I looked out the window and saw more and more water coming down the street. It got to the top of the curb and and it just got to the sidewalk. Gravity kept pulling it down the street."

Some residents were without water for about an hour before service was restored.

"They're doing a temporary repair today," Hussey said. "And then as soon as the pipe is available, which should be sometime next week, the permanent repair will take place."

The intersection of Washington Street and 20th Avenue will remain closed until damaged sections of roadway can be repaired.

There is no boil water alert in place and city officials said it was safe to drink.