BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — More than a dozen people were rescued from up to four feet of frigid waters after a major water main break flooded the area of Hertel Avenue and Military Road in North Buffalo on Wednesday night.
The flash flooding happened about 8:45 p.m. after a 36-inch pipe broke underground, Mayor Sean Ryan told reporters at a news conference.
The Buffalo Fire Department's water rescue team pulled eight people from vehicles and rescued several others from an NFTA bus that became stuck in an 18-inch-wide sinkhole.
First responders also rescued about 26 residents from the nearby neighborhood, including the Jasper Parrish Apartments, due to the flooding and access issues. No one was injured, Ryan said.
Residents were transported to temporary warming shelters, including a City bus, a nearby school, and a nearby church. Five individuals required emergency housing assistance.
A city spokesperson said there is confirmed damage to portions of the Jasper Parrish complex and the Department of Permit & Inspection Services will inspect affected units and must clear them before residents are allowed to return.
WATCH: Major water main break in Buffalo causes significant flooding and damage
The flooding extended several blocks, from Chandler Street to the south, Lawn Avenue to the north, and east toward the Jasper Parrish complex.
For those with vehicle or property damage, the city said you are encouraged to first contact your insurance provider. Property damage claims may also be filed with the City’s Law Department, which can be reached at 716-851-4343.
WATCH: Drone video shows aftermath of water main break and response and repair efforts
MULTIPLE WATER MAIN BREAKS ACROSS THE CITY
On Thursday, crews were also responding to other water main breaks in the city:
- A 36-inch main failure at Texas and Wecker Streets
- A water main break on E. Delavan Avenue between Bailey Avenue and Suffolk Street
7 News Senior Reporter Maki Becker headed to the break at Texas and Wecker streets and spoke to residents, Buffalo's Public Works Commissioner Nolan Skipper and Common Council member Bryan Bollman.
"It's a tough winter right now, so we're assessing them as we go," Skipper said. "Luckily, we have internal crews and contractors to kind of knock them all out as they come. The bigger concern is the system as a whole. We keep an eye on that and right now our guys at the plant are saying everything's OK from a system as a whole."
"They have a lot of water main breaks across the city," Bollman said. "City's aging infrastructure is really taking a beating in this cold weather. Certainly going to be looking out all weekend for any situations, and we know this weather, it's just beating us up right now. So hopefully, hopefully we don't have more issues."
Mayor Ryan said on Wednesday night that the city has underinvested in infrastructure for years and needs more support from the federal government to make long-term improvements to one of the oldest water main systems in the country.
WATCH: Deep freeze leads to multiple water main breaks in Buffalo
GOVERNOR SAYS BUDGET INCLUDES FUNDING TO HELP MUNICIPALITIES IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE
Governor Kathy Hochul was in Buffalo on Thursday and she was asked about water main breaks. She said her state budget includes funding for municipalities to improve infrastructure, including water lines.
WATCH: Governor says NYS budget includes funding to help municipalities improve infrastructure