Water Main Break Forces Dozens From Their Homes In Port Richmond
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Crews were working to repair a large water main break that forced more than two dozen people out of their homes and into the cold in Philadelphia's Port Richmond neighborhood Saturday morning.
The eight-inch main broke shortly after 9 a.m. along the 3000 block of Tulip Street, causing neighbors to wake up to a geyser of water spouting out of the ground.
More than a half-dozen homes were evacuated after basements were flooded.
"There are about eight to ten homes that we're aware of that had some water damage, that had about three feet of water in their properties," said John DiGiulio with the Philadelphia Water Department. We're working to get that pumped out."
DiGiulio said crews were able to get a handle on the break shortly after arriving on the scene, but at least 100 home were left without water as a result of the break.
"We can't wash, can't cook," said neighbor Derick Singlton. "There's nothing we can do right now. Nothing!"
Officials say a SEPTA bus was brought to the scene to relocate some of the approximately 30 residents who were displaced by the break.
Traffic in the area was being detoured around the scene.