In Hagen streets and cellars have been flooded because of a leak in a pipeline. On Wednesday evening were temporarily cleared three houses, said the fire department of the North Rhine-Westphalian city.
The evacuations affected 36 residents. The leak occurred for unknown reasons in a line with a diameter of 70 centimeters, as the fire department reported with reference to information from the responsible energy supplier.
Alex Talash / DPA
"We have been alerted because residents have heard a hissing noise in the garden," said the head of the Hagen fire department, Veit Lenke, over the hours of use.
A powerful jet of water poured out of the earth. The fire brigade arrived with a large contingent. One of the main roads was temporarily flooded.
The mission lasted until late at night. In the meantime the inhabitants were allowed to return to their apartments. A specialist has determined that there is no risk of collapse, it was said by the fire department. To the amount of the resulting damage could say nothing.