Residents Express Fear, Frustration After Massive Water Main Break
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "Everyone was scared to death."
Jose Liriano of Northeast Philadelphia was with his family inside the Dollar Plus when a water main break sent millions of gallons of water gushing through the Bakers Center parking lot and into store fronts.
"Employees shut the doors because water was coming in," Liriano explained.
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With screaming kids, they escaped through an exit about the same time Patricia Cornelius made her way out of Ross Dress For Less through waist deep water.
"When I got to the car, I opened the door and the water rushed in," said Cornelius.
She then did what experts say you shouldn't: started her car and moved it to dryer ground.
A move that could endanger yourself and cause further damage to the car, since a vehicle's engine, brakes, steering and transmission systems are prone to hidden flood damage, even if the car looks fine.
But, as folks watched their cars being towed, they put things into perspective.
"I'm fine, I'm safe," said Cornelius.
Liriano added, "The good thing is everyone's alive."
Insurance adjusters met with car owners. They encouraged them to call their insurance company to file a claim. If the owner has full coverage, the Philadelphia Water Department will pay the deductible. If they don't, owners can submit an estimate and PWD will pay for the cost of the damage.
