By Ivan Pereira
More than a dozen homes in Springfield Gardens were damaged by a massive water main break early Wednesday morning.
Several homeowners were woken up by firefighters and other first responders to the break, which took place at the corner of 159th Street on 140th Avenue around 4:30 a.m., the city Department of Environmental Protection said.
The agency said 20 homes experienced flooding from the water that was flowing out of the broken, 41-year-old pipe.
Residents said the water completely filled their basements and the first floors of their houses, rising as high as 2 feet.
“It was just pouring down the steps,” said Marcy Clarke, 44, who lives in a 159th Street house with her family.
Firefighters helped to pump the water out of homes while DEP crews worked to shut off the water main and restore water to 25 homes, a DEP spokeswoman said. The cause of the break was under investigation as of Wednesday afternoon.
Con Edison and National Grid crews were also on hand to help with the aftermath. Community Board 12 District Manager Yvonne Reddick also went door-to-door to see if any homeowners had other complaints.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
