Dozens of firefighters tackle flooding in Kings Cross as hotel evacuated
Around 20 people have been evacuated while basements of several properties have been affected
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Firefighters are tackling a large flood near King’s Cross station after a water main burst during the early hours of Sunday morning, which has caused a hotel to be evacuated,
London Fire Brigade (LFB) said eight fire stations and about 60 firefighters were responding to the incident, which was affecting an area of around 250 square metres, on Pentonville Road.
Traffic in the local area is expected to be severely impacted, while people have been asked to stay away as firefighters respond. Pentonville Road is closed to traffic between Penton Rise and King’s Cross Road.
About 20 people at a nearby hotel were evacuated by crews, while the basements of “multiple” homes and commercial properties had been affected, LFB said.
Transport for London said 11 bus routes were on diversion on Sunday morning. They are bus routes 17, 30, 46, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390 and 476.
Mobile flood barriers and specialist water rescue crews have been mobilised to the scene, while a drone is also being used to survey the area and the damaged caused.
Thames Water apologised for the incident, and added that their engineers were onsite.
“Our engineers have identified the burst, closed the main flow of water from the broken pipe and have had to temporarily close a section of the road so they can work safely, and the excess water can drain away,” it said in a statement.
Speaking to the BBC, Tina Hodgkinson, who lives off Pentonville Road, said she was woken up at about 4am by what she thought was heavy rain.
“I looked out the window and it wasn’t raining, but I could see there was this stream of water going down Pentonville Road,” she said.
The LFB said that crews from Euston, Islington, Soho and surrounding fire stations are at the scene, with the Metropolitan Police also providing assistance.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments