Local

Massive water main break turns Boston streets into rivers

BOSTON — A massive water main break on Friday morning turned a number of streets in downtown Boston into rivers shorty before the morning commute ramped up.

Video from Washington and Lagrange streets near The Kensington apartments in Chinatown showed gushing water cascading down the road. Tufts Medical Center is located nearby.

A photo shared with Boston 25 showed a significant amount of standing water in the lobby of a building in the neighborhood.

Boston Water and Sewer Commission crews have since shut off the water and are working to repair the problem. Hours before the break, the commission had announced plans to conduct “emergency leak detection” on the water system.

The commission said the break stems from a 12-inch water main that dates back to 1904. It was said to be relined in 2000.

The water has since receded but roads in the area were damaged by the flooding. Parts of the street and sidewalk buckled, leaving debris and chunks of pavement strewn everywhere.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area. Boston police and fire have blocked off traffic around the scene.

Kneeland Street and Washinton Street, Kneeland Street and Knapp Street, and Stuart Street from Washington Street to Tremont Street will remain closed until further notice, according to Boston police.

There were no additional details immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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