A buried saltwater pipe burst outside Woodland Garden at 10 Macdonnell Road in the early hours of 25 September, forcing a water column about two metres high up through the pavement. Mud and sand spread across the walkway, while paving tiles were lifted or scattered by the force of the water.
As an emergency measure, the Water Supplies Department stopped saltwater supplies from 2:53am. The affected addresses were 2 and 6 to 8 Macdonnell Road.
Water rapidly accumulated along the affected section, while muddy water and saltwater reached the entrance or lobby of a neighbouring building.
Because the burst happened overnight, workers initially concentrated on clearing debris and did not carry out noisy repair works. The Water Supplies Department expected saltwater supplies to resume at about 10am on 25 September.