Nashville Residents Grapple with Massive Flooding from Water Main Break Amid Ongoing Construction Project

Nashville Residents Experience Geyser from Water Main Break

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Residents of South Nashville faced an unexpected disaster on Friday morning when a 24-inch water main burst, creating a massive geyser that flooded the area. The incident occurred just after 9:30 a.m. while crews were working on the ongoing construction project to widen Nolensville Pike.

What Happened?

The water main break was reported to have been caused by a contractor’s mistake during excavation work. As water erupted from the main, it shot high into the air, alarming nearby residents. Witnesses described the scene as a rushing torrent of water cascading into the streets and yards of homes.

Melodie Grace, a resident who moved into the neighborhood in 2021, recounted her first sight of the chaos. “I was on my way to the store when I saw a geyser flooding my neighbor’s home,” she said. Grace expressed concerns over previous mishaps with construction in the area, particularly when a gas line was accidentally hit earlier this month. “We weren’t even notified about that. It was really dangerous,” she added.

Impact on Local Families

The water main break had a significant impact on families living nearby. The Pena family, residing on Retriever Court, was particularly hard hit. Miguel Pena, a family member, explained that his mother and niece had to be evacuated from their home as water rose inside. “This is the only house I remember,” he said, emphasizing how shocking it was considering they had lived there since 2007. “I never thought I’d have to worry about flooding, but we’re here now.”

Initially, the rushing water was a sight to behold, as it poured out fiercely, but the damage caused to homes was severe. Inside the Pena residence, heavy damage was reported, prompting the family to seek temporary shelter with relatives until repairs can be made.

Response from Metro Water Services

Quick response teams from Metro Water Services arrived on the scene promptly after the break was reported. By 11:00 a.m., they managed to stop the flow of water by using valves to isolate the broken section, redirecting the water supply to minimize further damage.

Later in the day, around 5:30 p.m., Metro Water Services took to social media to update residents about a temporary road that had to be created to access the break site, which would prolong repair efforts. Workers were on-site, diligently working to fix the damaged main.

Despite their efforts, it wasn’t until midnight or the early morning hours that crews expected to have full control of the situation and complete the necessary repairs. “We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” their statement read.

Concerns from the Community

Many residents voiced their frustration about the frequency of such incidents. Grace mentioned, “Isn’t there a map that you can see the utility layout and avoid this?” Her concerns highlighted the feeling among locals that these accidents are not just unfortunate but appear preventable with better planning and communication.

The reactions from the community suggest a strong desire for improvement in construction oversight and communication from utility companies to avoid potentially dangerous situations in the future.

In Summary

The unexpected geyser caused by the water main break in South Nashville serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with urban development and aging infrastructure. With incidents like this affecting the quality of life in local neighborhoods, residents hope that the city can do better in preventing future occurrences. As repairs are ongoing, the community remains hopeful for a speedy resolution and a return to normalcy.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.