Water main break in Novosibirsk causes emergency evacuation

A fountain of rocks and boiling water – this was the scene in the Russian city of Novosibirsk as a break in the water main forced an emergency evacuation of a nine-storey apartment building.

A high-pressure geyser tossed gravel, debris and scalding water against the side of the building, breaking windows and flooding apartments.

There are no reports of fatalities.

Several families have been moved to a hotel and remaining residents have been left without electricity.

The city mayor says he will take personal control of the situation and promised to pay compensation to the victims.