Water Line Break Causes Major Damage In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities say a water line break has caused significant damage to at least a pair of businesses in Minneapolis Thursday morning.

Officials said the break happened on St. Anthony Main near Tuggs Tavern, which is on the 200 block of Main Street SE. The break apparently happened on a privately owned water line and is not maintained by the city of Minneapolis. Authorities responded to the situation early Thursday morning and had the water shut off in the area by 4:30 a.m.

Officials said more than five feet of water is in the basement of Aster Café on the street. It's a building that was built in 1852 and is believed to be the oldest brick building in Minneapolis. It may need to be completely gutted.

Officials said Vic's and Pracna on the same street is also flooded from the rupture. Initial damage estimates are likely to exceed $1 million. Tenants affected by the break said the water pressure was so strong, doors blew open and pushed 500-pound furniture around.

Authorities said the break is now under control, but what caused it is still under investigation.