A large water main has burst near Harborne Lane Island in Selly Oak, causing traffic chaos around the Queen Elizabeth Hospital this afternoon (Wednesday 23rd November).
Commuters are asked to avoid the area completely if at all possible.
Vast amounts of water have created holes and lifted tarmac and whole sections of pavement.
Charlene Checkley, who had been at the hospital, said: “It’s exploding tarmac through the air – it’s so dangerous.”
Police have closed the A4040 Harborne Lane between the bottom of the triangle by Sainsbury’s / Battery Park and Metchley Lane.
Fire crews and police have attended to assist homeowners whose homes may be affected.
Severn Trent Water have managed to turn off the pipe so thewater is draining away. Water supplies to homes should be able to be maintained: “Our teams are on site now and have turned off the damaged pipe. As you can imagine, this is going to be a big job, but please be reassured that we will work around the clock to get this pipe fixed a
nd everything back to normal as quickly as possible.
“There is a possibility that some properties may have been flooded, and if so, we have teams ready to help with this if needed – please do get in touch with us if you need our help.
“We’re really sorry for the inconvenience and hope it hasn’t had too much of an impact on the local area.”
Updates will be available on the Severn Trent Water website
Images by @snappersk are on behalf of West Midlands Fire Service
