Boil Water Advisory in Montreal After Water Main Break

MONTREAL (AP) — A significant water main break near the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal has led to a boil water advisory affecting nearly 150,000 residents. The incident, which occurred early Friday morning, resulted in a dramatic eruption of water that reached heights of 10 meters, flooding streets and forcing evacuations in the densely populated eastern neighborhoods. Mayor Valérie Plante reported that firefighters were actively evacuating residents as the situation unfolded around 6 a.m. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with water gushing down streets and accumulating in basements. Local resident Lyman Zhu recounted the moment he realized the severity of the situation, likening the sound to heavy rain before witnessing the “wall of water” outside his window. Another resident, Maxime Carignan Chagnon, noted that the rushing water was powerful enough to splash against lamp posts and trees, with reports of significant flooding in some basements. By late morning, city officials announced that the situation was under control, with efforts underway to close valves and reduce water pressure in the affected main, which was installed in 1985. However, the city urged residents to avoid the area as restoration work continued. Power was cut to approximately 14,000 residents as a precaution, and about 100 homes were reported flooded. As the city mobilizes resources to address the crisis, Mayor Plante emphasized the importance of safety and ongoing assessments of the damage. The public is advised to remain cautious and stay clear of impacted areas throughout the day.