Major Water Main Break In Morris Heights Turns Jerome Avenue Into River
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Bronx neighborhood was brought to a standstill Wednesday morning by a massive water main break in Morris Heights. Residents nearby could only watch in awe as the water rushed by -- leaving some virtually marooned.
PHOTOS: Bronx Water Main Break
Water erupted from the ground of a 108-year-old, 36-inch water main at Jerome Avenue near the intersection of 177th Street, flooding the Avenue as far as 174th Street. The surging water rose up to the doors of several parked cars and buckled some roads.
The running water was finally shut off by the Department of Environmental Protection about three hours after the break. Several gas lines were ruptured as a result of the gushing water. However, water service was not disrupted. The break happened just before 6:30 a.m.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports: Jerome Avenue Turns Into Rushing River
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As of 5 p.m., CBS 2's Mark Morgan reported that workers were still feverishly trying to fix a huge hole in the pavement on Jerome Avenue.
The flooding earlier forced the closure of two subway stations. There are still some subway and bus services changes as a result of the water main break. For the latest information, go to MTA.info.
Busines owner Wilfredo Estevez said he warned DEP officials for weeks about flooding problems at the site of the break.
"We have a basement there that is 8 feet deep and 25 by 25 and constantly it's like a swimming pool there. We've replaced the electrical service in that building twice already," Estevez said.
WCBS 880's Paul Murnane From The Scene Of The Break
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DEP officials say they are still seeking the cause of the break.
"I assure you we're going to be doing a thorough investigation into how this break was caused, and take the steps necessary to fix it," DEP Commissioner Cas Holloway said.
There are currently no boil water alerts, or water pressure problems caused by the break.
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