Chessington flooding: Firefighters protect homes after mains burst deluges part of south-west London

Sebastian Mann23 April 2016

Firefighters this morning defended dozens of homes in south-west London after a burst water main plunged an area larger than a football pitch under water.

The London Fire Brigade said flood waters in Chessington were up to 40 inches deep in places after a leak was sprung shortly after 1am.

A pub suffered water damage but 40 homes on streets including Hook Road and Clayton Road were protected by the quick action of fire crews, LFB said.

Photographs and video posted on social media showed water pouring on to the road before streaming past traffic lights and a parade of shops.

Under water: Some 40 homes were said to be at risk
London Fire Brigade

Some users on Twitter complained their water supply had been affected by the burst.

A LFB spokesman said: "Firefighters are pumping water away from a large flood caused by a burst water main in Chessington.

"The flood is around 150 by 150 metres wide and in the deepest section around 40 inches deep."

Station Manager Jerome Kumedzina, who was at the scene, added: “Crews are going door to door to check on the welfare of residents, ensure they have no urgent medical conditions and ask them to stay put until the water is cleared. Specialist water rescue crews are on hand to remove residents should they have an urgent need to leave their home.

“Firefighters are also sandbagging properties to protect homes while specialist high volume pumps are clearing the water.”

Road closures are in place, with firefighters warning flooding may disrupt journeys to the Chessington World of Adventures theme park.

Utilities operator Thames Water apologies to customers in the KT post code area who it said may be experiencing low pressure because of the leak.

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