Major water main break floods part of Avenue B in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A major water main break in Yuma is continuing to impact a busy stretch of roadway as city crews work to complete repairs and restore normal conditions.

Crews have been working since early Saturday morning along Avenue B between 20th Street and 24th Street, where the break caused significant flooding across the roadway and led to the formation of a large sinkhole.

According to the Yuma Fire Department, emergency responders were first called to the area near West 24th Street and South Avenue B around 3 a.m. Saturday after reports of a vehicle submerged in floodwaters.

When crews arrived, they found widespread flooding between 22nd Street and 24th Street, along with two vehicles stuck near 23rd Street.

One person was found on top of their car. YFD used a pike pole to check the stability of the ground around the individual and to determine a path to get them to a safe zone.

They then assisted the person to safety with a ladder. They were assessed and no injuries were reported.

The line that broke was eventually shut off, but water initially had trouble draining from the area, worsening conditions and contributing to the sinkhole.

The City of Yuma Utilities Department says the break involved a six-inch asbestos cement water line installed in the early 1980s. Over time, that type of material can become more brittle and prone to failure.

Repair efforts are currently in progress. About 20 workers, including city crews and support contractors, are on-site working to fix the damage.

"It's rather extensive, the hole that developed so we expect it to be done by the end of the week for sure," Jeremy McCall, City of Yuma Director of Utilities, said.

Crews are also taking extra precautions due to nearby infrastructure, including a 24-inch water line that plays a critical role in the city's water system.

"We're making sure we're doing it right and putting it back the way it should be," McCall said.

The incident has also created traffic disruptions as Avenue B is a key route for many local drivers.

"My goodness, it has been chaotic around here," Luisa Diaz, a Yuma local, said. "Especially because B is actually a main street that actually connects to go to the south of the border as well as take 16th to the mall. So it has impacted, like maybe the businesses as well. So we just kind of have to work around it."

City officials are urging residents to be patient and avoid the area if possible while work continues. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the week.