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South Philly Water Main Break Causes Massive Sinkhole, Gas Leak

By John Ostapkovich, Jericka Duncan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Hours after a water main break in South Philadelphia was sealed (see related story), a gas main ruptured.

Officials say the water main break caused a massive sinkhole which caused a gas main break at 21st and Bainbridge Streets.

(See photos here)

Residents of the area are urged to call 215-685-6300 to report any issues related to the water main break.

Running water was restored Monday morning and the cleanup process has begun.

A 48-inch water main ruptured Sunday night near 21st and Bainbridge and sent water rushing down the street, sometimes two feet deep, chasing dozens of families out of their homes.

The break was capped at about 1:30 a.m., says Water Department spokesman John DiGiulio, and now the jobs are fixing the pipe and nearby homes.

"We have crews who will be working to do home cleanings. Basically, if there's any home with water damage in the cellar we will be out there to pump the properties out."

DiGiulio says the department will also hire private cleanup firms to take care of stains, mold and other collateral damage from the break. Water Department employees have been knocking on doors, but if you have damage to report, DiGiulio says call the Department at 215-685-6300.

He expects repairs to the pipe to take several days.

The Red Cross says 38 families had to evacuate their homes.

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