Boston’s South End Recovering After Water Main Break Floods Streets, Buildings

Boston’s South End neighborhood was recovering Wednesday after a water main break flooded streets and buildings and forced residents to evacuate despite social distancing measures in place.

The leak, caused by an overpressurized water line, submerged vehicles and caused the road to buckle near 500 Harrison Ave.

"It’s significant. There’s probably 10 or 15 cars underwater. Basements that are full of water," said Tom Bagley from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. At least one car had to be pulled out of a sinkhole that formed during the flooding.

"We came out on the deck and there was water everywhere. It was a lake," explained Julie Saidenberg who had to evacuate her home.

Though the water had dissipated and service was eventually restored, crews were working Wednesday to repair the 30-inch pipe. Officials said residents could be without power for at least 24 hours during the repairs. It’s unclear what caused the main to break but authorities said it was on the older side.