A large sinkhole formed in the middle of a busy San Francisco street on Sept. 11 after a nearby water main broke, prompting officials to cordon off the entire area as homes and businesses were flooded.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) confirmed the sinkhole had formed at the intersection of Union and Fillmore streets after a 16-inch water main broke in the early hours of the morning.
“SFPUC crews responded to the scene and worked through the night to stabilize the situation,” officials said in an advisory issued early Monday morning. “The 16-inch water main was cast iron and installed in 1949.”
The break on the 16-inch main also affected a nearby 8-inch water main, SFPUC said.
“Customers in the surrounding area are experiencing intermittent water service and temporary service interruptions. Our crews are working to restore water service as soon as possible. No fire hydrants are affected at this time. Traffic is disrupted in the area, and please be advised to avoid the area if at all possible,” SFPUC added.
In an update issued later on Monday, SFPUC said crews had repaired the broken 8-inch water main, and normal water service had been restored.
However, they warned that tap water could appear brown “due to sediment stirred up because of the break” and advised residents to let their cold water tap closest to the meter run for up to five minutes before using.
Sinkhole Sparks Flooding
Crews eventually completed repairs on the 16-inch main and the sinkhole later on Monday, officials said, adding that they would remain on-site throughout the night to help clean up the area.“Complete restoration of the pavement and sidewalk will be completed in the days to come. Please continue to avoid the area if possible,” SFPUC said.
No injuries have been reported following the sinkhole, but officials raised concerns about a potentially weakened gas line in the area.
Officials from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) were on site Monday to isolate a gas main inside the work area, according to SFPUC.
No Hazard to General Public
Separately, San Francisco Fire Department Capt. Jonathan Baxter told Fox’s KTVU that there is no rupture of actual gas.“There is no gas leak. Therefore, there is no hazard to the general public,” he said.
It was not immediately clear what caused the water main to break and officials are still investigating the incident.
He added that it could be weeks until his business is operating as usual again.
“This is beyond anybody’s control,” said Mr. Sheikh. “I’m worried about the tenants that are going to suffer from the losses. … They’re not going to be able to have any business.”
Other business owners in the area, including Michelle Ung, manager of Union Street Coffee Roastery, told the publication they had spent all morning clearing up the pools of muddy water.
“We just have to try to clean up and keep the business open,” she said. “It’s a lot of water.”
As crews continue working to restore the area, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is rerouting several bus lines as the intersection remains closed, officials said on social media.
