The huge pipeline burst near Dalvi Chawl in Asalfa Village around 11pm. Such was the effect of the burst that nearly a 12-foot-wide road over the pipeline caved in immediately, with water spurting 10-12-foot high.
A 72-inch water pipeline in Ghatkopar burst on Wednesday night, leading to flooding in the area, civic officials said.
The huge pipeline burst near Dalvi Chawl in Asalfa Village around 11pm. Such was the effect of the burst that nearly a 12-foot-wide road over the pipeline caved in immediately, with water spurting 10-12-foot high.
The gushing water swept away motorcycles with it and flooded several homes in the locality.
The burst, which started as a minor leak, was reported to the Disaster Management Cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation by the locals.
"We were sitting a few feet away from the road, when suddenly the ground started to shake. Our first thought was that it's an earthquake, but suddenly water started coming on the road. And before we knew what was happening, a big explosion shook the ground and water jetted out from underneath the road," said eyewitness Ramchandra Yadav (53), who has been residing in Dalvi Chawl for 30 years.
The water jet flung rocks and bucket-sized pieces of tar high into the air, before landing on top of homes, shops and even on some vehicles parked nearby. Three homes and two shops were partially damaged. Around nine motorbikes and a car also bore the brunt of the spurt.
Two teams of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, local ward office and water control were immediately pressed into action.
"The cause of the rupture is yet to be identified. The pipeline was one of the main ones running supply to town and other regions of south-central Mumbai. The mitigation operation started soon after the water control team from the local ward was alerted," hydraulic engineer Sambhaji Nalavade from L ward informed.
He added that the pipeline was around 30 years old and in a good condition with no external signs of any puncture or fissure. "Investigations are on to check what led to the incident," Nalavade said.
It took the water control team three to four hours to isolate the pipeline and close the valve near Powai. As per the information received from the ward control room, around 1.30pm on Thursday the pipeline was fully repaired and recharged, and regular supply was started at 4pm.
Officials refused to quantify the amount of water lost; however, estimates have put it over 500 MLD.
Due to the incident, supply of Ghatkopar Link area was cut on Thursday for three hours. Supply was also stopped in Asalfa Village, NSS Road, Khairani Road, Mohali Pipeline, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (West) and some parts of Raheja Complex in Kandivli, a civic official informed.
"It's sad that so much water was wasted. However, several residents were fortunate to have escaped with no injuries. We will try to help those affected," corporator Komal Jamsandekar said.
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