Summary:

Massive water main break in the Bronx caused extensive flooding in Bedford Park.
Homes evacuated and one person rescued from a flooded vehicle.
Thirteen buildings lost gas service due to the break.
Cleanup efforts expected to take days.
The broken main was installed in the 1890s.

Bronx Water Main Disaster: Homes Evacuated, Streets Flooded!

A massive water main break in the Bronx sent floodwaters surging through Bedford Park, leading to evacuations and significant property damage. The incident, which involved a 48-inch main installed in 1890, caused streets to become impassable and led to the temporary closure of the Botanical Garden.

Extensive Damage and Evacuations

The break, which occurred Monday night, resulted in flooding that reached approximately three feet high at its peak. Thirteen buildings lost gas service, and the city's Office of Emergency Management turned off water in several buildings for inspections and cleanup. The FDNY rescued one person from a vehicle trapped in the floodwaters and evacuated ground-level and basement apartments, ensuring the safety of residents.

Cleanup efforts are expected to take days, with crews from multiple city departments working around the clock. Muddy water reached basement walls, requiring the FDNY to use industrial hoses for the extensive cleanup. While the cause of the break is still under investigation, officials confirmed the main dated back to the 1890s.