Approximately 150,000 homes in Montreal were placed under a boil water advisory following a dramatic incident involving a broken water main. The situation unfolded early Friday morning when a massive underground water main near the Jacques Cartier Bridge ruptured, sending water gushing into the streets like a geyser.
Residents in the affected area were awakened by firefighters urging them to evacuate due to the risk of flooding. The force of the water was so intense that it created a 'wall of water' reaching up to 10 meters high, flooding the neighborhood and causing chaos.
Witnesses described the scene as surreal, with streets turning into streams and intersections becoming puddles as the water flowed for over five hours. Despite the efforts of city workers to control the situation by closing a valve on the water main, a boil-water advisory was issued for a large portion of the northeastern part of the island.
The broken pipe responsible for the flooding was identified as being over two meters in diameter and installed in 1985. Residents recounted the terrifying experience of waking up to the sound of rushing water and seeing their surroundings transformed by the unexpected deluge.
One resident described the water as 'very, very strong,' causing significant damage to properties and infrastructure. Basements were flooded, and reports indicated that some individuals experienced even greater water accumulation.
By midday, the situation was deemed to be under control, but the aftermath of the incident left a lasting impact on the community. The city of Montreal is now working to address the damage caused by the broken water main and ensure the safety of its residents in the affected areas.
