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Water Main Break Ties Up Downtown Streets

A ruptured water in downtown Columbus is complicating already difficult conditions.

COTA buses were called in to help evacuate people from buildings in the area of North Fourth and East Gay streets after a 24-inch water main broke today. Frigid temperatures have caused some of the water to freeze, forcing the closure of several blocks. Police say the lower level of a parking garage at the southwest corner of the intersection was reportedly completely under water. They warn building collapse is also a possibility, although fire officials say the problem will eventually be alleviated if the water keeps flowing. The city hopes to have the main repaired early on Tuesday. The city is asking people in the area to boil their water as a precaution.

A native of Chicago, naturalized citizen of Cincinnati and resident of Columbus, Alison attended Earlham College and the Ohio State University. She has equal passion for Midwest history, hockey and Slavic poetry.