‘Terrifying’: Destruction as pipeline bursts
A major water pipeline in Sydney has burst, flooding nearby homes with torrents of water.
Residents affected have been forced out of their homes as the damage – which includes smashed windows, roof collapses, and flooding –is assessed
The pipeline ruptured on Binya Place in Como, in Sydney’s south, around noon on Friday.
Footage from 9 News captures torrents of water flooding into nearby homes.
Resident Michelle Bunch told 9News about the moment part of their roof collapsed.
“ It was pretty terrifying,” she said.
“It was smacking against the windows, we thought they were going to smash apart,” she said.
“They evacuated us straight away because the power was popping.”
In a statement, Sydney Water said network technicians were on site assessing a leak on the water main when it burst.
“Network technicians were on site assessing a leak on the main when it burst,” a spokeswoman said.
“Crews have isolated the main and repairs are underway.
“Customer advocates are on site working with impacted customers and assessing the damage.”
It is understood the pipeline connects to Woronora Dam, which supplies water to the Sutherland Shire and to the northern suburbs of Wollongong.
A spokesman from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) said three properties in the vicinity of Binya Place had been “severely” impacted by water damage.
Another three had superficial damage that was cleaned up by residents.
It is understood Sydney Water is organising support, including temporary accommodation, for the residents whose homes were majorly impacted and has briefed them on insurance claims