FOTO: Večji izliv vode v stanovanjskem bloku, posredovati je moralo več gasilskih društev

A major water leak caused extensive flooding inside a residential block and adjacent garage house in Maribor on Wednesday, prompting multiple fire departments to respond with technical intervention. Firefighters from PGD Maribor Pobrežje worked alongside teams from PGD Maribor, mesto and PGD Brezje to manage the situation. The incident occurred after a damaged hydrant pipe released large amounts of water into the building’s lower levels, affecting several apartments, basement areas, the elevator shaft, and the garage house. The affected area required significant efforts to remove standing water and mitigate damage. According to reports from the PGD Maribor Pobrežje Facebook page, firefighters used water suction units and pumps to extract water from impacted spaces and assist in the cleanup process. The scale of the operation necessitated additional support from neighboring fire departments, which responded promptly and collaborated effectively with the initial team. The incident took place on Wednesday, August 6, when emergency services were called to the scene due to the severity of the water leak. The damaged hydrant pipe had flooded the stairwell, multiple apartments, basement storage areas, the elevator system, and the attached garage house. The fire department described the situation as requiring coordinated action and highlighted the need for specialized equipment to handle the volume of water involved. Firefighters from PGD Maribor Pobrežje expressed gratitude for the collaboration among all participating teams. They emphasized the quick response times, effective teamwork, and dedication shown during the operation. Their statement acknowledged the combined effort of all three fire departments, noting their readiness to provide assistance whenever needed. This was the first time these particular fire brigades had worked together on such a scale, according to local observers. Residents of the affected building were advised to remain cautious while the cleanup continued. Some apartments were temporarily evacuated as part of safety protocols, though no injuries were reported. Utility companies were also involved to assess potential damage to underground infrastructure and ensure the water supply could be restored safely. Local authorities confirmed that the cause of the leak was traced back to a ruptured hydrant pipe, likely due to age-related wear or pressure issues within the municipal water network. Engineers have been dispatched to inspect the entire pipeline system around the area to prevent similar incidents in the future. Repairs to the damaged section of the pipe are expected to take several days, depending on the extent of the damage discovered during inspections. Residents have voiced concerns over the frequency of such incidents in recent months, with some calling for increased maintenance checks on aging infrastructure. Community leaders are urging local officials to prioritize upgrades to the city's water distribution systems to avoid further disruptions. Meanwhile, the fire departments involved are reviewing their procedures to ensure they can respond efficiently to similar emergencies moving forward. The incident has sparked discussions about the broader state of urban infrastructure in Maribor, particularly regarding the reliability of essential utilities. City planners are reportedly considering long-term strategies to modernize aging networks and improve resilience against unexpected failures. In the meantime, residents are being encouraged to stay informed through official channels and report any signs of leaks or unusual water activity immediately.