Water Engulfs Alexandria Road After Main Break

Some Alexandria residents have been told to boil their water before using it after raging waters flooded Edsall Road in Alexandria, Virginia, Wednesday evening.

Residents in the area have been told to boil their water Thursday as a precaution.

Those who live at Alexandria Station, Cascade at Landmark, Landmark Terrace or Stanton Place are asked to boil their water first before drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, bathing or preparing food. Bring water to a full boil for a minimum of one minute, then cool before use. 

The break opened a massive hole in the road about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Virginia American Water said it anticipated that water would be turned on again between 3 and 4 p.m. Thursday.

Edsall Road was closed between South Whiting Street and South Van Dorn Street.

Gallons and gallons of water flowed out of the hole on Edsall Road for more than three and a half hours. The road crumbled underneath the water's pressure.

"I was just kind of worried and scared because I had no idea what is even going on. We were trying to get that way and then there was so much traffic so we had to make a U turn," said resident Luisa Gallego.

Residents in the neighborhood went without water as crews continued to make repairs to the water main.

"I've never seen anything like it. I've seen a water main break before, but this is like, this is like white water rafting," said resident Clarence Wilhoit.

Water officials said the 12-foot main is 50 to 100 years old.

Police said to avoid the area.

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