A burst hydrant in Manchester sent gallons of water shooting into the sky above buildings on Friday morning, with repairs quickly underway.
Video footage filmed from the centre of Manchester, more than a mile away, captured the force of the leak in the Cheetham Hill area. The hydrant ruptured near Peel Lane, off Cheetham Hill Road, close to Manchester Fort.
Hydrant damaged during excavation work
United Utilities said the hydrant was damaged by debris during routine excavation work at the site, causing it to burst. A repair was due to be completed, with teams due on site.
In a statement, the water company said crews were on site cleaning up. A United Utilities spokesperson said: "During routine maintenance work on Peel Lane in Cheetham Hill, a hydrant was damaged by debris during excavation, causing it to burst.
"The burst was quickly isolated, and crews are now cleaning up the site."
Leak lasted nearly two hours
Eye-witnesses said the leak first shot up at around 8.45am and lasted an hour and 45 minutes until it was brought under control at around 10.30am. Spurts of water reached well above the height of the buildings.
People working in nearby warehouse units said the water shoot was also throwing up rocks and stones.
The spokesperson added: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are speaking with local businesses and property owners affected by the incident."
