A major water main break in Calgary has left people trapped in their vehicles, flooded roads, and disrupted water service to nearly 2,000 homes, prompting emergency response teams to rush in as city crews worked to contain the damage.
The rupture occurred early in the day in a busy residential-commercial corridor, when a high-pressure underground pipe burst without warning. Water quickly surged onto surrounding streets, turning roadways into fast-moving streams and catching motorists off guard. Several drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles as water levels rose rapidly, while emergency responders assisted others to safety.
City officials said the break caused an immediate drop in water pressure across nearby neighbourhoods, leading to widespread service outages. Residents reported water flowing into basements, garages, and ground-floor units, while businesses in the area shut their doors as a precaution.
Calgary Fire Department and police officers cordoned off affected roads, diverting traffic and urging people to avoid the area. Utility crews began isolating the damaged section of the pipe to stop the flow, a process officials warned could take several hours due to the size and age of the infrastructure involved.
The city said preliminary assessments suggest the pipe failed due to a combination of aging infrastructure and pressure stress, though a full investigation is underway. Officials acknowledged that Calgary, like many Canadian cities, faces growing challenges maintaining decades-old water systems amid increasing demand and extreme weather fluctuations.
Residents affected by the outage were advised to conserve water, prepare for temporary boil-water advisories if issued, and document any property damage for insurance purposes. The city said bottled water and support would be made available if the disruption continues.
No serious injuries were reported, but the incident has reignited concerns over infrastructure resilience. City leaders said the break underscores the urgent need for long-term investment in water systems to prevent similar emergencies in the future.
Crews are expected to work around the clock to repair the main and restore service, though officials cautioned that full repairs and road restoration could take several days.