BETHESDA, Md. — A massive, aging water main ruptured Tuesday and sent a wave of water down a suburban Washington road, transforming the street into a raging river and trapping nine motorists who had to be rescued from the frigid deluge.
The water gushed down River Road and rocked cars. Two people in a minivan were plucked by helicopter out of the roaring rapids, water crashing and spraying around them as they were lifted to safety in a basket. Other motorists escaped 4-foot-deep water by boat.
Montgomery County fire officials said five people were checked for hypothermia as temperatures outside were in the 20s.
“The water tumbled over the car like a wave,” said Silvia Saldana of Springfield, Va., who was traveling to work when she became trapped. “I started to pray.”
In a frantic 911 call released by authorities, an unidentified stranded motorist cried and pleaded for help.
“I can’t see anything,” the woman screamed. “I need help!”
“Stay calm, ma’am. We’re coming,” the operator says.
It was not immediately clear what caused the pipe to burst. Temperature, age and other factors can contribute to breaks.
Fire spokesman Pete Piringer said crews had trouble getting to people because of the swift- moving water. Officials said 150,000 gallons of water a minute were rushing out at one point, spilling rocks, dirt and other debris onto the road. Trees fell onto a power line and knocked down a utility pole.
Because of the water’s intensity, fire officials didn’t allow utility workers to immediately shut down valves where the break occurred. But crews were able to close valves farther down the pipeline, stopping the flow. Authorities said the water went into a nearby creek.
The American Water Works Association, a Denver-based nonprofit that works to improve water quality, said billions of dollars are needed to replace aging pipes nationwide.
