Water main break leaves about 50 homes in Tacony without service
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- About 50 homes in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia were without water Wednesday evening after a 12-inch water main ruptured.
The break sent water rushing down Tulip Street, leaving behind a large hole as crews worked overnight to make repairs.
Residents said the break happened around 5 p.m., startling people inside nearby homes.
"I heard people screaming," said resident Michael Huff.
Huff said he ran outside and saw water bubbling up from the street.
"It felt like the street was breaking up as it went down," he said.
He added that the water reached several inches high as it flowed through vehicles and traveled down Princeton Avenue.
Another resident, Danielle Spadafore, said she watched water surround her car.
"It was crazy. I've never seen anything like it, and I've been here all my life," she said.
She added that her vehicle briefly turned on after the water rose.
"I'm hoping there's no damage. It's a new car," she said, laughing.
Chris Repasy said he took off his shoes to get through the rushing water.
"I had to hop, skip, jump. I had to do it all," he said. "I'm a big shoe guy. My socks, I don't care. But my shoes, I love shoes."
Huff said he hopes repairs move quickly, noting the construction is only a few feet from the church where his son is getting married in about a month.
"I don't want to bash the city, I love the city," he said. "It just feels like everything is slow. So I understand that, but I selfishly want it done."
Officials have not yet said whether any homes experienced basement flooding or vehicles were damaged.
Residents were told their water should be restored by Wednesday night.
