Water main ruptures in South End

By Michaela Stanelun, Globe Correspondent

A water main ruptured this afternoon in the South End, flooding several basements near Columbus Avenue and backing up traffic, officials said.

The 30-inch main broke at 1:15 p.m. near the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Worcester Street, according to Jeanne Richardson, manager of communications for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. Workers shut off the water and have begun repairs.

"There is some roadway damage," Richardson said.

Columbus Avenue has been closed between Massachusetts Avenue and West Newton Street.

The fire department received the first few calls about the break at 1:15 p.m. near 535 Columbus Ave., which is the Columbus Cafe.

"We've had quite a few calls from people reporting water in their basements," said Boston Fire spokesman Steve MacDonald.