Many blocks of downtown Minneapolis are flooded, after a 36 inch water main was broken around 2pm this afternoon. The water service is OUT in a large area of Downtown. There are cars submerged in an underground parking ramp. Businesses are closing for the night because the area is now inaccessible due to police road closures. **Dynamic Updates in progress, Please reload page for more**
The private contractors, who ruptured the line, released this statement: "At approximately 2:30 PM, while our subcontractor, United Sewer and Water, was doing work near a City of Minneapolis water line, the line ruptured. We are currently investigating the cause of the accident. The incident occurred on the site of our 222 Hennepin apartment project, located on the corner of Hennepin and Washington Avenues. We are relieved to report that no one was injured as a result of the accident and the site has been evacuated. We are actively working with Minneapolis City officials to shut off the line so that repairs can be made. Further questions should be directed to the City of Minneapolis Public Works department."
LIVE VIDEO from KSTP: http://kstp.com/livevideo/videoWindow.shtml?aID=735
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Web Photo Gallery at: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/01/03/water-main-break-in-mpls-leaves-hennepin-avenue-underwater/
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