Ruptured Water Main 'Swallows' Excavator

SEBRING - Residents in Victoria Park and businesses from Sebring Diner to Raintree Plaza along U.S. 27 were without water for about four hours after crews laying a gas pipe broke a water main.

A mini-excavator was digging to install the gas line when it hit a 12-inch water main. The main burst and water mixed with the sandy soil to create suction and pull down the mini-excavator, burying it in a hole about nine feet deep.

Dan Durham, project supervisor with Expertech, said the worker was able to escape in time and was not injured. He thinks the equipment is ruined because it was sucked in while running.

Ben Henley, emergency management director, said the county had to supply equipment to pull the mini-excavator out of the hole - a process that took several hours.

Marty Roepstorff, utilities director for Sebring, said the pipe could not be repaired sooner because it was buried by the machinery and pile of soil.

"It's a pretty easy fix once we get to it," Roepstorff said.

Expertech will resume installation of the gas line, which will eventually run to Sebring Regional Airport.
"They've got eight miles to go, so I imagine they may hit something else along the way," Roepstorff said.

Signs in windows of Sebring Diner said no restrooms were available because of the break.
"It's been a little inconvenient for us, but it's not a huge deal," said Dick Miller, owner of Sebring Diner. "It's pretty much just par for the course."