Massive Bronx water main break leaves muddy mess up and down Webster Avenue
NEW YORK -- Crews are still working on a massive water main break in the Bronx that continues to cause quite a headache.
Officials said a 48-inch main broke on Webster Avenue under the Mosholu Parkway on Monday night and that repairs are ongoing. The Department of Environmental protection said all residential buildings and businesses now have working water service.
By late Tuesday morning, the water had receded, but what will follow will be a long cleanup. Video from the scene shows a muddy, wet mess on the streets.
Firefighters brought a giant hose into the basement of one apartment building to pump out several feet of water. They also checked out a flooded out elevator. The water line is plainly visible up and down Webster Avenue and neighbors are concerned about the structural integrity of at least one building.
Water main in question dates to 1890
The break promoted a large response from numerous city agencies, including NYC Emergency Management, the FDNY, the NYPD, and the DEP.
Officials said the water main that ruptured dates to 1890.
"So, yes, the infrastructure is old. Just because it's old, doesn't necessarily mean it's falling apart. It usually has to do also with the material that it's made of. That's all part of what we're going to look at when we open up the ground and do the investigation," said Beth DeFalco, the DEP's deputy commissioner of public affairs.
The city has been cutting off power and gas to try to expedite the cleanup process. Residents who want to file a claim with the city can do so on the city comptroller's website.
Another concern going forward is mold.
"We've had flooding the past, so we're all definitely going to follow up with this," a woman named Yvonne said.
Webster Avenue transformed into a river Monday night
Officials said the water began rushing down Webster Avenue at around 7:30 p.m., leaving vehicles submerged, bags of garbage floating, and hundreds of area residents without water service.
One block after another, the water was everywhere. For many, it was a jaw-dropping sight.
"When I come downstairs, it's a disaster. It's not good. My heart is broke. I can't believe it," resident Miguelina Jiminez said.
"This is a swimming pool. This isn't the path I normally walk. Unbelievable," nearby resident Emily Torres said.
Officials said water poured into the streets and up against cars. Firefighters rescued one woman before bringing her to safety.
"My car is over there swimming," said Sharon Ilo, who added she rarely parks on Webster Avenue. "You park on the street and you take a chance."
"Everyone's car is flooded and we have no water," Edina Gutic said.
Gutic, a landlord and mother, was left comforting her son and dealing with 87 of her units that don't have water service.
"This is not anything anyone wants to experience and you have children and elderly people and this is unfortunate," Gutic said.
"I wasn't prepared for this"
Melissa Palacios and her husband also didn't have water, and had made a quick run to the market after work.
"I wasn't prepared for this," Palacios said. "The toilets don't flush. The bathtubs don't work."
The situation will remain a waiting game for many.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to go to work tomorrow and hopefully it doesn't get worse," Eliezer Palacios said.
City officials were trying to ease concerns.
"If need be, we can open up reception centers. We can work with Red Cross for housing. There's a lot of options," NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said.
