Torrents of water rush through Sydney CBD after burst water main

A burst water main in the centre of Sydney has sent a torrent of red-tinged water rushing down a major road, bringing traffic and office workers to a grinding halt.

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A water main has burst on a busy road in the Sydney CBD, sending a torrent of ash-filled water down the thoroughfare and drenching pedestrians.

The pipe burst at around 5am this morning, sending thousands of litres of water rushing down Bent Street near the Botanical Gardens.

A water main burst at the intersection of Bent St and Loftus St in the CBD causing thousands of litres to pour into the harbour. Picture: John Grainger

The burst occurred around 5am on Wednesday morning. Picture: John Grainger

The water, which was red-tinged from the bushfire smoke blanketing Sydney, was seen rushing through the city at the intersection of Bent and Loftus Street.

The accident soaked pedestrians rushing to work, attempting to skip over the deluge.

The aftermath of a burst water main, a day after smoke chocked the city yesterday.

Now brown water flows through the city. #sydneysmoke #water #sydney pic.twitter.com/fGCfF6OiiO

— Jessica Amir (@JessicaDAmir) December 10, 2019

Panicked pedestrians tried to skip over the deluge. Picture: John Grainger

The incident brought traffic to a grinding halt as crew worked frantically to repair the pipe.

The road was closed in both directions and traffic diversions are in place.

The force of the water left a huge sinkhole in the middle of the intersection.

Multiple trucks were sent to the incident and crew are working to repair the damage.

The break was isolated a few hours ago but roads are still closed as repairs are undertaken.

Sydney Water is hoping water will be restored to several commercial customers over the next couple of hours.

It is too early to say what caused the break.