Car owners frustrated after major flooding at Spring Garden parking garage
What we know about the Spring Garden parking garage flooding in Philadelphia
Multiple cars were flooded inside a Spring Garden parking garage in Philadelphia after a water leak, leaving owners frustrated with the response from the garage management company.
PHILADELPHIA - At least a dozen drivers are dealing with flooded vehicles after a water leak poured into a parking garage at 1601 Callowhill Street in the Spring Garden neighborhood Saturday, leaving some cars partially submerged and owners frustrated by the response.
Water main break causes major flooding at Philly garage; cars remain in standing water
Several vehicles are still surrounded by water more than 12 hours after a flood started filling a parking garage in Philadelphia this weekend.
Aftermath of the flooding at Spring Garden garage
What we know:
The Philadelphia Water Department says crews shut off the water connection and traced the leak to a private pipe.
Officials say they notified the property owner and advised them to hire a plumber.
Some car owners returned to find their vehicles filled with water. Ben Heitmann said he discovered the flooding while watching FOX 29’s coverage Saturday night. "There’s about eight inches of water inside my car right now. They towed it and all the water started to drip on out," said Heitmann.
The water leak lasted more than eight hours, according to Heitmann, who found his car still partially submerged late Monday afternoon.
The garage’s management company, AirGarage, is based in San Francisco and advertises 24/7 support. FOX 29 called the company and reached an automated system that said no support agents were available.
Frustration grows for car owners seeking answers
What they're saying:
Heitmann said, "They directed everybody that had that issue to call this AirGarage based out of San Francisco and you get the same message every time — there’s no customer service representative to take a call. I’ve called four, five, six times."
Heitmann said he is now out at least $1,000 for his insurance deductible and hopes to be reimbursed. "I hope they reimburse me for all the money that’s going to get spent and I hope they reimburse the insurance company. Unfortunate," said Heitmann.
In another interview, Heitmann said, "I tried to call the owner of the garage or whoever runs it based out of San Francisco it seems like, and nobody will pick up my phone call. How frustrating? Incredibly."
Not every car was damaged. Brian Kennedy said he was on vacation in Puerto Rico when he saw FOX 29’s coverage and rushed back Monday to check on his car. "There were no electrical problems, and then relief once it turned over and I didn’t see any water in the car. Nothing was wet," said Kennedy. "How fortunate do you feel? Very fortunate. I mean, I love this car."
Some owners are still waiting for answers and help from the garage’s management company.
What we don't know:
It is not clear when repairs will be made or if affected car owners will be reimbursed for damages. T
he garage’s management company has not responded to requests for comment.
The Source: Information from FOX 29 interviews and the Philadelphia Water Department.