Broken Water Main Floods Downtown Quincy, Massachusetts

Broken Water Main Floods Downtown Quincy, MassachusettsBroken Water Main Floods Downtown Quincy, Massachusetts QUINCY, Mass. – A broken water main flooded downtown Quincy on Thursday, January 26, 2023, causing extensive damage and traffic disruptions. The incident occurred around 10:30 AM when a 16-inch water main ruptured near the intersection of Hancock Street and Washington Street. The high-pressure water gushed out of the ground, creating a massive geyser that reached several stories high. The floodwater quickly spread through the surrounding area, inundating streets, sidewalks, and businesses. Several vehicles were submerged, and homes and commercial buildings experienced significant water damage. “It was like a river flowing through the streets,” said Quincy resident Barbara Smith. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene and worked to shut down the water supply. However, the flooding continued for several hours, causing major disruptions to traffic and commerce. Hancock Street and Washington Street were closed to traffic, and several bus routes were rerouted. Many businesses in the downtown area chose to close for the day, while others struggled to operate amid the water damage. “We lost all our merchandise,” said Maria Gomez, owner of a clothing store on Hancock Street. “We’re going to have to close for at least a week to clean up.” Officials estimate that the cost of repairing the damage will be in the millions of dollars. The investigation into the cause of the break is ongoing, but city officials said it is likely due to aging infrastructure. In the aftermath of the flood, Quincy residents and business owners are working together to clean up and assess the damage. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has been called in to assist with the recovery efforts. Mayor Thomas Koch declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay away from the flooded areas. He also thanked first responders for their swift and efficient response. “This was a major incident, but our emergency crews did a great job,” Koch said. “We will get through this together.”