Residents of Oxford Park in London are relieved that no injuries were reported after a watermain rupture caused significant damage on Britannia Avenue early Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m., when a powerful surge of water burst through the pavement, shooting debris, rocks and pieces of concrete into the air. The force of the eruption damaged several parked vehicles, shattering windshields and damaging property left outdoors.
Residents described a frightening scene, with water spraying several metres above nearby streetlights and large chunks of debris scattered across the roadway. Concerned neighbours called 911 as the street became hazardous.
London police and fire crews responded within a few hours, followed by municipal maintenance workers who eventually stopped the flow of water.
Ward Councillor David Ferriera acknowledged that while the city has an emergency contact line, it is not available outside regular business hours. He suggested the incident highlights the need for a dedicated, round-the-clock municipal emergency number to ensure residents can quickly report urgent infrastructure problems.
Ferriera added that he is awaiting information from city staff to determine what caused the watermain to rupture.