PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A pipe burst andflooded a parking garage on the 1600 block of Callowhill Street.
Nearly 20 vehicles were submerged leaving drivers scrambling to save their cars.
Ashlee Case of Spring Garden said she realized something was wrong as soon as she walked into the garage.
“Just by walking in the entrance I saw the settled water right here and I immediately ran to see if my car was flooded and for sure it was,” Case said.
Case said her car which she had just gotten two days earlier was among those submerged after water began gushing down from the upper level of the garage.
“I just got my car two days ago and the minute I get my car this happens this feels like a curse,” she said.
Hoping to prevent further damage, Case attempted to drive her car through the water and out of the garage. She said she managed to get it out, but it ultimately needed to be towed.
“I opened my car door and my foot stepped into puddles I sat in water so my car is done,” Case said.
Another driver, Klark Johnson of Lancaster, said his car was parked behind Case’s and he also tried to retrieve his vehicle.
“I might try to get my keys and see if i can might do a little swimming,” Johnson said.
Johnson later said he was able to start his car and get it out.
“It was cold Iwas very grateful when I got to my car that i was able to turn it on and get it out of the water,” he said.
“I think I caught it just in time I hope, fingers crossed a little bit of water in the back,” he added.
Firefighters eventually responded to the garage but were unable to locate the valve on the private property to shut off the water.
Case said she hopes the issue is fixed quickly and expressed concern for other drivers who may not yet know their vehicles were damaged.
“Whatever is happening here needs to be fixed this is deplorable and I feel so bad for the peoples cars who are out here and dont know there cars are out there,” she said.
She added, “This is not a good valentines day gift this is not it.”
Johnson also referenced the timing of the flooding, saying, “Not the valentines but hey ya know adds a little spice.”
We have calls and emails out to both the owner of the garage and property management company but have not yet heard back.
The Philadelphia Water Department says the issue does not involve a city-owned water main or pipe. They say they are supporting and working to shut off water flow to the building.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.