A major leak from a pipe carrying boiling hot water triggered an emergency response in Oslo on Tuesday night, forcing the evacuation of residents and businesses in the Grønland neighbourhood, just east of the city centre.
The incident sent powerful jets of hot water bursting through the asphalt, creating a massive cloud of steam that could be seen across the Norwegian capital.
Police described the situation as extremely dangerous and warned that the force of the water could cause fatal injuries.
Police Seal Off Affected Area
Authorities cordoned off a large section of Grønland as emergency teams responded to the leak.
Everyone living or working in the Grønland torg complex was ordered to evacuate while police secured the surrounding area.
The water emerging from beneath the road was accompanied by a chemical smell, while the pressure continued to send geyser-like bursts through the ground.
Officials warned that containing the leak would take time because of the volume and force of the escaping water.
Residents Warned About Dangerous Steam and Debris
Police also instructed people who had not been evacuated to remain inside their buildings and close any open windows.
In written safety notices, authorities warned that the combination of boiling water, steam and airborne particles from asphalt, dirt and gravel posed a serious danger to anyone near the affected area.
The warnings remained in place as emergency personnel worked to bring the situation under control.
Utility Company Identifies Damaged Heating Pipe
City-owned utility company Hafslund identified a fracture in one of its hot water pipes as the cause of the incident.
The damaged pipe forms part of the company’s fjernvarme district heating network, which supplies heating and hot water to properties across the city.
The disruption left numerous homes and businesses without hot water and underfloor heating.
No Timeline for Restoration of Heating Services
Hafslund was unable to provide a timeframe for repairing the damaged pipe or restoring heating and hot water supplies to affected properties.
The leak continued to require emergency attention as authorities worked to contain the escaping water and secure the surrounding neighbourhood.
