'River-like' water main leak shuts down Bronx street

MORRISANIA, Bronx (WABC) -- Bubbling through the pavement and overflowing down several Bronx streets, fire and public works crews were quickly called to the scene early Sunday as a water main leak completely shut down this stretch of E 167th St and Rev James Polite Ave.

"They had a water main break at approximately 9:30 a.m. (Sunday) morning. The flow was very heavy," said Deputy Chief Anthony Montera.

As DEP crews drilled and shut off various valves to repair the leak, fire officials say three nearby buildings were without power for a period of time, and several other nearby homes were without water for the majority of the day.

"We don't have pressure inside right now, so I don't know if that's the cause of it," says Ed Justiano.

"We don't have water, you know? We have to use bottle water, we can't even take a shower. We're supposed to go out with the kids, but can't go out with the kids, because we can't take a shower," added Akeem Fasinro.

The river-like flow of water also seeped into the basement of nearby PS 99, but by Sunday afternoon, people who live nearby say the water had already receded a noticeable amount.