3 crashes reported after water main breaks near downtown Las Vegas
At least three crashes occurred early Wednesday after a water main break in downtown Las Vegas created icy conditions in the roadway.
The break in the 60-year-old pipe was reported about 12:30 a.m. while a contractor was installing several fire hydrants on St. Louis Avenue, between Maryland Parkway and 10th Street.
A “number of factors” contributed to the break, including the age and condition of the pipe and the cold weather, according to Las Vegas Valley Water District spokesman Damon Hodge.
Hodge said the overflow of water, which led to “icy conditions” on some parts of the roadway, was likely a contributing factor to the crashes at Maryland and St. Louis.
They were reported between 6:23 a.m. to 6:38 a.m., shortly before a hard-freeze warning issued by the National Weather Service was lifted. At 28 degrees overnight, the valley saw its coldest weather since Jan. 1, 2016.
No one was critically injured in the crashes, according to Las Vegas Lt. David Gordon.
Water in the affected area, which Hodge said is mostly residential, was shut off during repairs, which were expected to be completed by 6 p.m. Motorists were advised to avoid the area until then.
Contact Rio Lacanlale at rlacanlale@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Follow @riolacanlale on Twitter.
