Neighbors react to 'massive' water main break in South Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) —A 24 inch water main sprayed water into the sky after a contractor damaged the line while working on the project to widen Nolensville Pike.

The report came in just after 9:30 a.m., saying water customers in the area of Kinhawk Drive may be affected.

A torrent of water was seen pouring from the 24 inch water main and flooding nearby homes.

Crews have been working in the area to widen a nearby portion of Nolensville Pike.

Melodie Grace moved into the neighborhood in 2021. She was on the way to the store when she saw a "geyser" flooding her neighbor's home.

According to Grace, this isn’t the first time neighbors have had issues with construction along Nolensville Pike.

“I walked into my garage a couple mornings ago and I could smell natural gas,” Grace said. “Later we found out they [construction crews} hit a gas line but we weren’t notified, which was really dangerous.”

The water stopped flowing from the main around 11 a.m. Utilizing valves in the system, crews were able to shut down the broken portion of the water main and redirect water, according to MWS.

"The questions I have are ‘isn’t there a map that you can see the utility layout and avoid this?’ It seems like this is avoidable, it seems very irresponsible, and something needs to be done about it,” Grace told News 2.

The water main break directly impacted the Pena family, who lives along Retriever Court.

According to a family member, their mother and niece were inside when the water first erupted. Both of them had to be evacuated.

"This is the only house I remember," Miguel pena says. "We have been here since 2007 and I never thought I'd have to worry about flooding, but we're here now."

The Pena family had heavy damage throughout the home and will stay with family until the can have their home repaired.

No further information was immediately released.