A burst pipe has caused huge flooding in North London, as torrents of water surged through the streets this afternoon.
Thames Water was alerted to a burst main on Caledonian Road, Islington, at around 2pm on Tuesday, which left the major road flooded and dozens of homes without water.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters dealt with the flooding, which was caused by a burst 30-inch water main.
Local MP, Emily Thornberry, said that residents and businesses were ‘left suffering’ because of ‘Thames Water’s mismanagement’, urging the company to ‘break their past pattern of behaviour’.
Footage shared to social media showed dirty water swarming the pavement, with cars left stranded as the torrent reached shops and residential properties.
The road was shut in both directions, causing traffic to build between Bingfield Street and Stanmore Street.
Residents in the postcodes N1, N7, WC1X and EC1R were told they would have little to no water while repairs were carried out, and buses were also diverted from the area, Transport for London confirmed.
A spokesperson for Thames Water said: ‘We’re very sorry to those who have experienced flooding as a result of this burst.
Shop owners and locals were left scared as dirty water rose following a 30-inch water main bursting
Thames Water was alerted to the burst main at around 2pm on Tuesday, as it left the major road flooded and dozens of homes without water
Vehicles were left stranded as Caledonian Road, Islington, was shut in both directions
‘Our customer representatives and loss adjuster teams are on site to provide advice and support to those directly impacted.
‘To keep the public and our teams safe, traffic management measures are in place while we carry out repairs on Caledonian Road. We apologise for any disruption or delays this may cause in the area.’
They added: ‘We understand how distressing and disruptive this situation is, and we sincerely appreciate your continued patience while we work to restore supplies and support affected customers.’
This evening, engineers were still on site at Caledonian Road working to try and isolate the damaged section of pipe, as several homes remained without water.
Thames Water confirmed officers would remain on site after the main was isolated to support affected customers and help to clear any standing water where necessary.
Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury, Emily Thornberry, said of the situation: ‘Yet again, residents and businesses in our community are left suffering because of Thames Water’s mismanagement.
‘I am in urgent contact with Thames Water and am following progress on the repair closely.
‘I expect Thames Water to break their past pattern of behaviour. They must look after those that are flooded and those without water.
‘And they must do it properly – mitigating their suffering, acting fast, and communicating properly.
‘I will be attending Islington Council’s scrutiny Committee in-person this evening, where I will make my frustrations at the appalling service Islington residents receive very clear.’
‘My office stands ready to support any residents or businesses impacted,’ she added.
The London Fire Brigade said in a statement: ‘Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters are dealing with flooding due to a burst 30-inch water main in Islington.
‘The flooding is affecting an area between Caledonian Road and Twyford Street to the junction of Thornhill Bridge Wharf and Caledonian Road.
‘Traffic is likely to be impacted by the incident so please avoid the area if you can.’
They added that a respite centre for affected residents had been set up at Islington Tennis Centre Market.
Two of the Brigade’s specialist Fire and Rescue Units attended the scene, equipped with inflatable boats, pumping equipment and flood kits.
The Brigade was called just before 2pm and crews from Dowgate, Euston, Soho and surrounding fire stations were also present.
