The Westminster Magistrates Court has been shut down, and residents of Marylebone have been evacuated due to a flooded street caused by a ruptured water main in central London.
According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters are actively managing the flooding in the vicinity of Enford Street and York Street.
Court proceedings at this magistrates’ court, among the busiest in the UK, which is situated next to Marylebone Road, have been postponed.
The ruptured pipe has impacted several basement apartments, prompting precautionary evacuations of residents, as per the LFB.
Security personnel secured the entrance of Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where lawyers and other court attendees were seen waiting outside for information from court staff.
Hashem Abedi, associated with the Manchester Arena bombing, was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court is responsible for high-profile cases, including terrorism and extradition, and serves as the seat for the chief magistrate.
Court officials reported that the building was devoid of running water, posing a public health risk.
Resident Lochlan Dinhim recounted waking up around 05:00 BST to water pouring from electrical outlets.
“Within thirty minutes, our entire kitchen was underwater,” he shared. “We grabbed what we could—our passports and, since we recently got engaged, the engagement ring—and evacuated.
“The bricks actually started popping out of the wall; we feared the building might collapse, but we managed to escape safely.”
He mentioned he was awaiting news on their temporary accommodations.
Station commander Brien O’Keeffe urged the public to stay clear of the area.
Traffic restrictions have been implemented on Marylebone Road, Seymour Place, Crawford Street, and Gloucester Place.
O’Keeffe stated that teams were diligently working with partner agencies to resolve the situation promptly.
The LFB received 15 emergency calls regarding the incident at 05:20 BST and dispatched units from Paddington, Euston, Soho, Chelsea, Kentish Town, and nearby fire stations.
