Video: Massive sinkhole swallows vehicle in Port Richmond
Video: Massive sinkhole devours vehicle
A water main broke, causing a massive sinkhole in a Port Richmond street to swallow a vehicle parked above it.
PORT RICHMOND - A water main break in Port Richmond swallowed several cars after the street opened up in the break.
About 30 properties were initially impacted, reporting no water in the properties because of the break.
Philly PD family member's car swallowed by Port Richmond sinkhole
A massive sinkhole opened on a street in Port Richmond after a water main break, swallowing a car belonging to a family member of a Philadelphia Police officer.
What we know:
Philadelphia police reported a water main break on the 2700 block of Birch Street, in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, around 1:30.
The street opened up after the break occurred, swallowing a couple of cars.
Philadelphia Water Department emergency crews responded to the scene, shutting down the six-inch water main.
About 30 properties were initially impacted by the break, reporting no water, as the crews worked on a repair.
Water was restored overnight as both vehicles were pulled from the sinkhole.
Local perspective:
FOX 29's Steve Keeley reported that one of the vehicles belongs to a family member of a Philadelphia Police officer, who appeared to be taking the matter in stride. Officer Steve Williams explained, "It's actually my wife's car. Nobody was hurt, nobody was in it. So, you know, it's just a vehicle. Whatever needs to be replaced, we'll get it replaced. No big deal."
The other vehicle, which was towed from the scene, belongs to a 7-year-resident of the block, had just parked his car and was headed for the Phillies spring training in Florida. His mom, on hand to care for his dog, was afraid to call him to tell him about the car and had a neighbor make the call, saying, "One of the neighbors informed him. I didn't wanna do it. I didn't want to break his heart."
The car was safely towed and is parked nearby.
What's next:
Birch Street remains closed between Salmon and Edgemont streets while crews work to make the site safe for repairs.
Customers impacted are being asked to call 215-685-6300.