Burst water main in Manly shatters building’s foundations

Residents woke to the sound of bricks popping out a wall as a burst water main shattered a building’s foundations. The unit block on Ashburner St, Manly, was evacuated at 10.30pm on Monday night as water gushed from the base of the building.

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Residents woke to the sound of bricks popping out a wall as a burst water main shattered a building’s foundations.

The unit block on Ashburner St, Manly, was evacuated at 10.30pm on Monday night as water gushed from the base of the building.

The street was flooded with the power of the water blowing a hole in the wall and creating a huge sink hole.

Police cordoned off the area while Sydney Water shut down the water leak. Picture: Bill Hearne

Bricks were displaced by the power of the water. Picture: Bill Hearne

Faith Tribby, who lives across the street, was in her courtyard when she heard what she thought was heavy rain.

“I looked and there were no clouds and I put my hand out and couldn’t feel any rain.

“Then I saw the water gushing out. It was flooding the street and the bricks were popping out.

“People were in the upstairs window just looking down. I told them to come over to the other side. It was safer over here.”

Residents had to move to the other side of the street. Picture: Bill Hearne

Emergency services were called and within minutes firefighters and police were on the scene.

“When the fireman first went in he went straight down into the sink hole,” Ms Tribby said. “He was waist deep. That’s when they realised how serious it was.”

The fast flowing water washed debris and sand down the street.

This morning sandy deposits and bits of brick and debris are scattered up to 50 metres away.

Joan Herringe, who lives next door to the block, said she was shocked by the amount of water.

The full extent of the damage the following morning

A Bobcat was brought in to clear some of the rubble

“It was very strange to turn on the TV and see all this happening just outside.”

Sydney Water representatives and workmen are on site this morning clearing the rubble and making the building safe.

Shortly after 9am stranded cars were being towed away and a Bobcat digger was brought in to shift the scattered bricks.

Emergency services remained on the scene throughout the night and water was returned to the street’s residents around 5.10am.

Sydney Water said water may be discoloured when residents first run their taps.

All residents have been allowed to return to the block apart from those who live directly above the damage.

The water washed sand and dirt down the street

Sand was spread along the street.

“Sydney Water has repaired a broken water main on Ashburner St in Manly,” a spokesman said.

“Safety was our priority and we worked alongside emergency authorities to secure the site.

“A customer liaison officer will be on site today assisting affected customers.

Water was restored to all customers about 5 this morning and crews will continue clean-up works today.

“Sydney Water sincerely apologises for the impact caused to customers.”