Massive Water Main Break In Southwest Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A water main break in a Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood sent water shooting approximately 40 feet into the air early Thursday morning.
The 12-inch water main broke at about 5:30 a.m. at the intersection of 54th Street and Whitby Avenues in the city's Kingsessing neighborhood.
The flow of water poured out for nearly 90 minutes before Philadelphia Water Department crews were able to shut down the main at about 7 a.m.
However, due to the freezing temperatures, the water left behind turned into a layer of ice. Many cars near the break were left covered in a sheet of ice.
PWD officials said approximately 40 properties in the 1000 block of 54th Street are without water.
Water Department officials said they expect to have water restored by sometime Thursday evening.
Local detours are in effect around the scene as crews repair the main and clean-up the area.
Reported By Steve Beck, CBS Philly; Al Novack, KYW Newsradio
