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Lee High Road sinkhole traps coach carrying tourists | Lee High Road sinkhole traps coach carrying tourists |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A coach carrying dozens of tourists became trapped in a sinkhole when a water main burst beneath a busy south-east London road. | A coach carrying dozens of tourists became trapped in a sinkhole when a water main burst beneath a busy south-east London road. |
A major incident was declared by police as Lee High Road flooded near Lewisham on Saturday night. | A major incident was declared by police as Lee High Road flooded near Lewisham on Saturday night. |
Some people had to be moved to a temporary shelter while many living in surrounding areas have been left without any water supply. | Some people had to be moved to a temporary shelter while many living in surrounding areas have been left without any water supply. |
Thames Water has apologised and said the repairs were "complicated". | Thames Water has apologised and said the repairs were "complicated". |
The coach remains trapped in the sinkhole. | The coach remains trapped in the sinkhole. |
London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it assisted 40 tourists from the stranded coach which was carrying 90 people, while 40 local residents had to be evacuated from their homes. | |
The spokesperson said six fire engines had been sent to the scene which had also affected about 50 shops and businesses. | The spokesperson said six fire engines had been sent to the scene which had also affected about 50 shops and businesses. |
Thames Water said the burst 60cm (24in) pipe had affected supplies for people living in large parts of south-east London, including those in SE3, SE10, SE12 and SE13. | Thames Water said the burst 60cm (24in) pipe had affected supplies for people living in large parts of south-east London, including those in SE3, SE10, SE12 and SE13. |
The water company said it had "successfully re-routed the water" as the pipe could not be repaired until the coach was removed but "some properties" were still "experiencing problems". | |
Blackheath resident Rob Catterick said he had been without water since last night. | |
Foyeg Ahmed Kazi, who runs a restaurant in Lee High Road, said he had been told to remain closed until repairs had been made to the pipe, which he says has cost him a lot of money. | |
About 3,000 homes are thought to still be without a water supply with bottled water being made available at a number drop-off points. | |
A Lewisham Council spokesman said the tourists were taken to a local community centre but another coach was arranged so they were able to continue their journey without needing to stay the night. | A Lewisham Council spokesman said the tourists were taken to a local community centre but another coach was arranged so they were able to continue their journey without needing to stay the night. |
Lee High Road remains closed, with police warning it will be shut "for some time". | Lee High Road remains closed, with police warning it will be shut "for some time". |