Aug. 28--A Downtown business was severely damaged by water after a tractor-trailer struck a fire hydrant nearby Wednesday night.
Sgt. Steve Smith of the St. Joseph Police Department said the incident occurred about 5 p.m. at Sixth and Edmond streets.
A semi turning right at the intersection reportedly struck a fire hydrant on the southwest corner of the intersection, in front of Jim's One Stop Shop. The driver did not stop and continued south on Sixth Street, Mr. Smith said.
Police and city crews closed off the block of Sixth Street between Charles and Edmond streets as a representative from Missouri American Water responded to shut off the valve.
Later, the St. Joseph Fire Department responded to the scene as the utility company worked to pump water from the building.
Owner James Beaver told FOX 26 KNPN that three floors of the business were flooded with water.
Wynn Morgan, manager of northwest operations for Missouri American Water, said crews found a break in the line between a nearby valve and the hydrant.
He said the break led to a loss of a significant amount of water, leaving the building's basements flooded. No other water customers in the area were affected.
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