Raw sewage spewed uncontrollably from a manhole into a county Armagh housing estate this afternoon.
The vile discharge caused problems – and a stink – for residents in Fairgreen Park in Keady shortly after lunchtime today.
A manhole cover burst open on a grass verge atop of the estate, which sits on a steep incline in the town.
Residents at the bottom of the hill were left fighting a wave of sewage before NI Water came to the rescue. Homes were surrounded and gardens were ruined.
Councillor Darren McNally described the situation as ‘disgusting’.
Speaking to Armagh I, the Sinn Fein councillor, said: “The stink was horrendous, it just took your breath away, it was that bad.
“The sewage was piling out of the manhole, running down the hill and affecting the homes closer to the bottom.
“Unfortunately it also affected the local Mencap care home, which is situation towards the bottom of the hill.”
He added: “But credit to NI Water who were quick to respond to the calls for assistance. They, along with the hep of Glenvale Waste, seemed to have the problem under control pretty sharpish.
“All seems okay tonight but there’s still a stench lingering. Hopefully there is’t too much lasting damage.”
Read more news:
Dog suffers suspected broken leg after callous hit-and-run
Readers’ anger as GP practise closure to leave 5,000 without a doctor
Family release statement as Conall McCavitt continues fight for life
Man punched woman in the head outside pub in Tandragee
M1 drivers between Lurgan and Moira do something that really p*** police off
In Pictures: More than £110,000 raised for charity at Christmas Tractor Run
Newry and south Armagh sergeant humbled by Queen’s Police Medal award
Bank of Ireland in Keady burgled over Christmas period
Planners recommend ‘mini-retail hub’ proceed at former B&Q store