Full Breakdown
Burst Water Pipe Causes Flooding and Supply Disruptions in Crawley
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Burst Pipe and Immediate Effects
A significant water-main rupture in the Southgate Roundabout area of Crawley led to extensive flooding and the loss of water service for thousands of households. Southern Water reported that around 9,000 customers in Woolborough Road, Holmcroft, Southgate, Tilgate and Furnace Green experienced either no water or low pressure. The breach forced the closure of Southgate Avenue, Crawley Avenue and a section of the A23, and Sussex Police advised motorists to avoid the scene while emergency crews worked.
Areas Impacted and Community Response
Residents encountered deep water flowing across the roundabout and into an underpass, creating hazardous conditions on local roads. Delivery driver Martin Lawrence, who was on the route at 05:00 BST, described the flood as “the largest amount of water” he had ever seen, highlighting the severity of the overflow.
Official Response
Southern Water activated bottled-water stations and dispatched repair crews to the site, emphasizing that restoring service was a top priority. Sussex Police coordinated traffic management and public safety measures, urging the public to stay clear of the affected streets until the situation was under control.
Verbatim Quotes
Ongoing Mitigation Efforts
Repair teams remain on site, working to seal the burst pipe and restore normal water pressure. The utility continues to monitor the affected network and has pledged to keep residents updated through local communication channels as the restoration progresses.