Tractor-trailer wipes out hydrant in downtown Pottsville, sending water gushing into air
Dec. 1—POTTSVILLE — A tractor-trailer wiped out a fire hydrant at the corner of West Market and Centre streets on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.
Fire Chief James Misstishin Sr. said a rig making a right turn around 2:40 p.m. from Centre onto Market sheared the hydrant on Market near the intersection.
"The plug was tapped into a large main that feeds the downtown," he said. "The pressure is about 1,000 gallons a minute, and the water shot up 10 feet in the air."
The break, mixed with persistent rain, caused temporary flooding between Market and Arch streets.
Southbound traffic in the turning lane sent water cascading onto the sidewalk well after a Schuylkill County Municipal Authority crew had capped the hydrant.
Misstishin said the leak had been capped and the damaged hydrant removed within a half-hour of the incident.
A portion of West Market Street will be closed Thursday morning while the damage is repaired, the chief said.
The identity of the rig's driver was not available, but Misstishin said he stopped after the accident.
The incident is under investigation by police, who cordoned off the block between West Market and West Norwegian in the aftermath.
Contact the writer: rdevlin@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6007
