Tipton house collapses after water main bursts Published duration 14 October 2019

image copyright West Midlands Fire Service image caption West Midlands Fire Service shared pictures of the damaged house

A house has partially collapsed after a water main burst in a residential street.

It happened on Park Lane West in Tipton, West Midlands, shortly before 14:00 BST.

South Staffordshire Water said about 20 properties had been damaged as a result.

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said homes and businesses had been flooded, with one school tweeting it had to evacuate.

image copyright West Midlands Fire Service image caption South Staffordshire Water, Sandwell Council, West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police have been at the scene

A South Staffordshire Water spokesperson said: "We have a team on site who are working with the emergency services and we are in contact with the people affected.

"We are working with the householders involved to ensure they have everything they need at the moment and we will be putting them in touch with our insurance company. We're really sorry for the distress this has caused."

media caption Passer-by footage shows water gushing on to the street near the damaged house

The road and neighbouring Manor Road and Baker Street have been closed while remedial work takes place.

On Twitter, Silvertrees Academy in Tipton said it had to evacuate due to "severe flooding", while Sandwell Council said Tipton Green Junior School would be closed to children and staff on Tuesday.

image copyright Sandwell Council image caption The council said work was continuing to clear the area

The fire service said its crews were working with those affected to "ensure their safety".

Station commander Matt Ling added its technical rescue unit had been helping some residents.

He said crews were likely to be at the scene for some time, aiding recovery and minimising impact.

image copyright West Midlands Fire Service image caption The fire service said crews were expected to be at the scene for some time

West Midlands Ambulance Service said although there were no casualties, it assessed an elderly lady who was in a flooded property. She was unhurt.

The water company has warned people in Tipton, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Oldbury their water pressure may be low or their water discoloured.

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It said repairs to the main would continue throughout the night.

image copyright West Midlands Fire Service image caption Repairs on the main will continue throughout the night, South Staffordshire Water said