EXPORT, Pa. — Residents of an apartment building in Export, Westmoreland County, were evacuated Thursday morning because of a nearby water main break.
Officials said the break happened on Kennedy Avenue, sending water rushing down the road.
Utility workers said a 12-inch line broke, bucking the road and taking down part of a hillside.
About 23 senior citizens were forced out of Duff Manor Apartments because of flood damage. Flo Ferguson was one of the victims who woke up to flooding inside her ground-floor unit.
“I heard a big rumble behind me,” Ferguson said. “The rug was moving toward me.”
Residents were moved to a temporary shelter, but eight apartments were destroyed.
“The tenants living (in the destroyed units) will not be able to return. There will be plans to relocate,” said Michael Washowich, of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority.
Washowich said other tenants should be able to return to their units later on Thursday. He also said about 40 to 50 nearby homes are without water because of the break.
The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County said water service should be restored by early Thursday evening.