SEATTLE — The city of Seattle says workers can't tell which happened first -- the water main break or the landslide in West Seattle.
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Andy Ryan, with Seattle Public Utilities, told KIRO 7 workers examined the broken water main and can't tell if the landslide broke the water main or the water main broke and triggered the landslide.
A section of earth about 50 feet long gave way and slammed down into the houses below on SW Cambridge Street around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.
Maya Leversee was inside her house and heard it.
"I heard this huge, ripping explosion noise," said Leversee. She also described hearing rushing water.
The force of the mud moved a boat that been stored next to a house across the driveway and into the front yard, where a cedar tree stopped it from crashing into the house.
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An inspector from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections put a green tag on the house that was affected. It says "Limited Entry." The residents are allowed in and out but the department wants the property to have geotechnical inspection before they move back in. The impact knocked out some power in the house.
The neighbor's house was checked and inspectors didn't find any structural damage but had to remove truckloads of mud.
Seattle Public Utilities said the homeowners can file a claim against the city of Seattle. An adjuster will be assigned to investigate and make a determination.
The water main has not yet been replaced. Workers were able to run hoses to the affected houses.
Workers will continue making repairs on Tuesday.
Cox Media Group
