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Water service restored after Port Richmond sinkhole

Footage from local news stations showed at least one vehicle had been trapped in the sinkhole.

Part of Birch Street in Port Richmond collapsed on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the street remained blocked off and the hole surrounded by barriers wrapped in caution tape.
Part of Birch Street in Port Richmond collapsed on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the street remained blocked off and the hole surrounded by barriers wrapped in caution tape.Read moreTyger Williams / Staff Photographer
    by Nick Vadala
    Updated 
    Published 

Water was restored overnight to about 30 Port Richmond homes that were left without service Tuesday after a partial street collapse, prompting emergency crews to shut down a water main.

Philadelphia police reported the street collapse on the 2700 block of Birch Street around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Philadelphia Water Department said. Following reports of the cave-in, water department crews shut down a six-inch main.

Footage from local news stations showed one vehicle trapped in the hole, and another car was positioned on the cave-in’s edge. Both vehicles were later removed from the hole, the water department said.

No injuries were reported.

Crews were still working Wednesday to assess the site and make it safe for repairs, and Birch Street remained closed between Salmon and Edgement Streets. Water department crews will also be inspecting the block’s sewer.

There is no timeline for repairs or roadway restoration, the water department said. Households impacted by the effects of the street collapse should call 215-685-6300, the water department said.