Water line breaks inside Center City high rise, forces out 100s

All 250 residents living in the Center City One high rise at Spruce and Juniper Streets in Philadelphia were displaced last night into today after water lines erupted inside.

Fire and police crews were called the scene on the 1300 block of Spruce Street just before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday with reports that water standpipes broke on an upper floor and a lower floor of the 30-story structure, flooded hallways, and knocked out gas pilot lights of ovens and stoves.

Emergency crews evacuated the building, which has 180 units with 250 residents. By 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, the building management had declared the building unsafe and Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania was called.

The Red Cross had a plan to help residents find housing, but it appeared that many had family and friends to help.

Servpro, which specializes in damage restoration, was called to pump out the water and clean the structure. Its crews were still at the scene this morning. It was unclear what caused the standpipes to rupture.

Management at the complex said it expects residents to be allowed back in by 5 p.m., but will be assessing the situation throughout the day. Currently, the elevators are still down, though the water has been pumped out and drying has begun.