A water main has burst in Marylebone, flooding basement flats with water and forcing residents to evacuate.
The pipe burst on Enford Street, early on Thursday morning, flooding a 200m by 100m area.
Police cordoned off over six adjoining streets, including Seymour Street, York Street and Montagu Place, with several fire trucks responding to the incident.
Sofia Macias, senior communications officer for the London Fire Brigade, said: “There was up to 2 metres of water in basement flats along Enford Street and York Street.”
Residents were evacuated to Little Venice Sports Centre, where a rest centre has been established.
On scene, fire media advisor, Ken Spratt, said: “It was a big one. We don’t know when we will be able to reopen the roads.”
The flood has also affected St Mary’s Church and a local primary school, St Mary’s Bryanston Square.
Westminster council supported crews from Thames Water, and Floodcall Emergency Services teams were also present.
Delivery drivers were unable to make their deliveries, and hotel guests staying on the affected streets were forced to find alternative accommodation.
By 4pm Thursday, the flood water was draining, and the majority of the firecrews had left the scene, with some remaining on hand to support Thames Water staff.
A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We are sorry to those who have been impacted.
“All customers should have their water supply, and our focus now is to begin the repair on site.”
Westminster Council press officer Charlie Hawken said on Friday morning that the leak was under control.
Hawken said: “The extent of the damage is unclear at the moment as water is still being pumped out.
“The affected roads will be closed for at least a week, but we are not certain at this time.”
Featured image: Danny Weller
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