What Happened
A burst water main has caused significant flooding on Caledonian Road in north London. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that a 30-inch pipe burst, leading to flooding between Caledonian Road and Twyford Street, extending to the junction of Thornhill Bridge Wharf. Emergency services were alerted to the situation at approximately 14:45 GMT, deploying six fire engines and around 40 firefighters to manage the incident.
Why It Matters
The flooding has resulted in road closures on Caledonian Road between Bingfield Street and Stanmore Street, affecting local traffic and public transport. Buses, including routes 17, 91, 259, 274, and N91, are currently on diversion. Basement homes in the vicinity have been flooded, prompting the establishment of a respite centre at the Islington Tennis Centre for displaced residents. Thames Water has acknowledged the issue, stating that their engineers successfully isolated the damaged section of the pipe, restoring water supply to the wider area.
What’s Next
Thames Water is continuing repairs and has warned residents of potential low water pressure or outages while work is ongoing. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with a spokesperson emphasizing the need for effective communication and support for those affected. The LFB has advised motorists to avoid the area as traffic disruptions are expected to persist.