Brixton Hill flood: Huge crack opens up in road as burst water main causes flooding
A huge crack opened up in one of south London's busiest roads after a burst water main caused flooding.
Brixton Hill was brought to a standstill on Thursday morning as water streamed down the main road.
The street, which serves as a major link between swathes of south London and the Tube network, was cordoned off by police just before 5am.
It was still shut off at lunchtime and Transport for London said the closure was likely to last "several days".
Eyewitnesses reported that a "large crack" had opened up in the road - which joins Brixton and Streatham Hill - and pictures show a stretch of the ruptured tarmac flooded with gushing water.
Thames Water have sent a team to investigate the flood, located near Brixton Prison, and police remain at the scene.
Brixton Hill closed this morning...🤦🏼♀️ pic.twitter.com/CLM1tWWn71
— Jen Christie (@Jen_ChristieUK) July 27, 2017
Brixton has a new water feature. No buses up and down the Hill. But plenty of canoe action for those suitably equipped. #brixtonwaterfeature pic.twitter.com/lm2yIHyepg
— Paul Middleton (@mybikeandme) July 27, 2017
A Thames Water spokeswoman told the Standard: "We have sent a team to investigate the burst pipe. It is not currently affecting any water supplies in the area."
The road remained closed between Christchurch Road and Brixton Water Lane as engineers investigated and drivers were warned to avoid the area.
A23 Brixton Hill btwn A205 Christchurch Rd + Brixton Water Ln - Road remains closed, burst water main nr Brixton prison. Thames Water aware.
— TfL Traffic News (@TfLTrafficNews) July 27, 2017
#Brixton Hill is closed this morning due to a burst water main.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area— Lambeth MPS (@LambethMPS) July 27, 2017
@BBCTravelAlert burst water main & crack in the middle of the road on Brixton Hill, towards Brixton. Likely an issue when rush hour starts
— Serena's body double (@_mrsee) July 27, 2017
As commuters prepared to journey into work, the flood was causing disruption to bus routes 45,59,109,118,133,159,250 and 333 and queues were forming on Christchurch Road.
Passengers reported that buses were "nose to tail" along Kings Avenue and added: "If you can avoid getting the bus this morning, do."
There must be close to 200 buses on Kings Avenue in Brixton due to a diversion for a burst water main in Brixton Hill pic.twitter.com/7DjN6oWSel
— Andrew Boyle (@andyboy76golf) July 27, 2017
Who said #Brixton wasn't on the waterfront? pic.twitter.com/L3Ej1d93Pf
— Marten Hahn (@KRASSMarten) July 27, 2017
Lambeth MPS tweeted: "#Brixton Hill is closed this morning due to a burst water main. Motorists are advised to avoid the area."