Officials in Hialeah said it could take several days to clear and repair a major intersection destroyed by a water main break which caused a humongous sinkhole and flooding this morning.
The damage happened shortly after 1 a.m., on Red Road between 39th st and 44th Place, when a pipe which officials said is from the 1960s burst, flooded the area with knee-deep water.
Residents had to wade through the hundreds of thousands of gallons of water as they were evacuated by rescue workers. Electricity was shut off to the area, which was about a six-block radius, to avoid electrocution.
Many residents were taken to a nearby community center to stay dry.
By 11 a.m., most of the water had receded, and FPL officials said the electricity would be restored by early this afternoon.
Officials with the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department said water service was restored to the area, though residents might experience low water pressure.
Officials said the sink hole covered the entire intersection, about a 40 by 40 foot area, and that the intersection could be shut down for several days as the line and road are repaired.
Local
Any residents needing further assistance have been asked to call the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Dept. hotline at 786-552-8970.
