Large water main break leads to evacuations in West Philly

A large water main break created havoc for West Philadelphia residents Sunday morning, sending millions of gallons of water coursing through the streets and causing the asphalt to buckle under the pressure.

A 36-inch water main ruptured about 4:30 a.m. in the 500 block of North 52nd Street, from Wyalusing to Westminster Avenue, according to Water Department spokesman John DiGiulio.

The break unleashed between eight and 10 million gallons of water, Digiulio said. At least nine homes were initially evacuated, and several parked cars were submerged in as much as three feet of water.

Water Department workers were able to successfully shut down the flow of water around 8 a.m., DiGiulio said, and the flooding began to recede.

By that point, more than 10 properties were damaged. Claims adjusters were on the scene conducting inspections late Sunday morning. Officials from the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, Gas Works, Water, Streets, Police, and Fire Departments were also assessing the situation. The American Red Cross was providing assistance to neighbors.

There was no word on how quickly repairs might begin, and a cause of the break had not yet been determined Sunday morning. The main was installed in 1885, DiGiulio said.

A shelter set up at West Catholic High School was closed about 9:30 a.m., as affected residents were permitted to return to their homes. Water service to the neighborhood was fully restored.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area bounded by Poplar and Parrish between 51st and 53rd streets, as street closures were expected to persist through Sunday afternoon.

Here are more pictures of the flooding by staff photographer Tom Gralish:

This is a breaking news report. Check back for updates.