Residents of a downtown Winnipeg apartment building were forced to evacuate on Monday due to severe flooding.
The incident occurred at the 12-storey building located on Kennedy Street, between Ellice Avenue and St. Mary Avenue. According to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS), the flooding was caused by a burst pipe on the 8th floor.
Emergency crews responded to the scene around 9:30 a.m. after receiving reports of water pouring out of the building. Upon arrival, they found that the water had already reached the lobby and was quickly rising.
As a precautionary measure, the WFPS ordered the evacuation of all residents in the building. Approximately 100 people were affected and were temporarily relocated to a nearby community centre.
The WFPS also worked to contain the flooding and prevent further damage to the building. Crews were able to shut off the water supply and begin pumping out the excess water.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. However, some residents expressed concern over the damage to their personal belongings and the inconvenience of being displaced from their homes.
The building’s property management company, Towers Realty Group, released a statement saying they are working closely with the WFPS and are providing support to the affected residents.
The cause of the burst pipe is still under investigation. It is unclear at this time how long the evacuation will last and when residents will be able to return to their homes.
The WFPS is reminding all residents to regularly check their pipes and plumbing systems to prevent similar incidents from occurring. They also urge anyone experiencing flooding or water damage to contact their insurance company for assistance.
As the situation continues to unfold, the WFPS and Towers Realty Group will provide updates to the affected residents and the public.
