Bronx Water Main Disaster: Streets Submerged, Cars Underwater

The Bronx experienced a major disruption on Monday night when a century-old, 48-inch water main ruptured around 7:30 p.m., causing significant flooding in Bedford Park. Webster Avenue between E. 201st Street and East Moshulu Parkway South became a raging river, submerging cars and leaving residents to wade through muddy water.

The Impact:

• Flooding: Cars were submerged up to their doors, and the streets were transformed into muddy rivers. The NYPD had to tow multiple affected vehicles.
• Residents Affected: Residents described the water as “dark, nasty water,” and some were stranded in their buildings.
• Infrastructure Damage: Water service was disrupted, with the Bronx Botanical Garden experiencing limited service. Gas was shut off in 13 buildings, and power was cut to several blocks.
• Emergency Response: Crews worked until 5 a.m. Tuesday to shut off 20 valves (145 turns per valve!) to stop the flow. The Red Cross provided emergency housing for some affected residents.
• Road Closures: Webster Avenue remained closed between East 204th Street and Bedford Park Boulevard while repairs took place.

The Aftermath:

While service has been restored, the community is still cleaning up the massive amounts of mud and debris left behind. The cause of the break on the pipe (originally installed in 1890) is under investigation.

[Image: A photo of the flooded street in the Bronx.]