Jacqueline Stortz and her aunt are still recovering from an incident where the van they were traveling in broke down during a water main break on Main Street in Winnipeg. The city reported that the water main break occurred due to accidental damage by crews working on new underground piping at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant, causing localized flooding near Chief Peguis Trail.
Stortz, aged 43, recounted how they were driving south on Main Street around 4 p.m. on Friday when they encountered slowed traffic. As water began accumulating on the street, they found themselves in a predicament. Despite the challenging circumstances, they had to keep moving forward as the water level rose, eventually flooding her aunt’s van.
Although the water did not enter the van, a significant portion of it was submerged, prompting them to call 911 for assistance. Stortz described the ordeal of being stranded and feeling helpless as passing vehicles exacerbated the situation.
After waiting for nearly an hour, two firefighters arrived and helped move Stortz’s aunt’s vehicle to a shallower area. Stortz expressed her gratitude towards the emergency responders for assisting with their belongings and ensuring their safety.
The aftermath left Stortz and her aunt physically uncomfortable and emotionally shaken, with Stortz emphasizing the traumatic nature of the event. North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty remarked on the challenges posed by the sudden influx of water, especially given the freezing temperatures and existing traffic congestion in the area.
As investigations into the cause of the water main break continue, Stortz’s aunt faces the burden of vehicle repair costs, adding financial strain to her situation. Stortz hopes for a thorough review of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future, emphasizing the distressing and frightening experience they endured.
The impact of the water main break also highlighted community concerns regarding response times and accountability for such incidents, prompting calls for further evaluation and action to address the aftermath effectively.