On Basseynaya Street in St. Petersburg, close to the city court building, a sudden surge of hot water broke to the surface and streamed across the road, submerging several vehicles. The incident, reported by 78.ru via Telegram, drew immediate attention from city residents and emergency services.
A dense plume of steam rose above the roadway as cars, pedestrians, and nearby infrastructure were affected. One passenger in a vehicle nearly suffered burns when he could not exit quickly, but rescuers managed to evacuate him to safety before the situation escalated further. The rapid heat and pressure created a disorienting environment for those caught in the flood, complicating efforts to move people and property away from danger.
The local heating network officials in St. Petersburg stated to the publication that the surface water had risen due to a technological breakthrough. In other words, an unexpected failure in a system component allowed hot water to reach the surface, creating a hazardous condition. Technical teams and engineers are actively assessing the incident to determine the exact cause and to implement corrective measures to prevent a recurrence.
Images circulated on the Telegram channel Megapolis showed at least a dozen vehicles parked within the flood zone, and steam visibly escaping from several of them. The scene highlighted how quickly infrastructure can be affected by a single rupture and how vulnerable urban streets can become when hot water is released into public spaces.
Residents described the ordeal as chaotic, with many noting how people found themselves trapped in vehicles surrounded by a boiling puddle. The Telegram channel How are you, St. Petersburg? supplied firsthand accounts of the confusion and urgency as drivers attempted to escape and responders worked to secure the area.
In the broader context of recent events, there have been unrelated reports from the Moscow region mentioning elderly residents and other incidents, though these are not connected to the St. Petersburg event. Workers and safety officials emphasize the importance of staying clear of flooded zones and allowing trained personnel to manage any emergency shutoffs and evacuations. Community members are urged to follow official updates through credible channels to receive guidance on safety, road closures, and recovery timelines.
Officials have assured residents that the city is coordinating with the heating network operators to restore normal conditions as quickly as possible. Temporary traffic diversions and roadway inspections are being carried out to ensure structural integrity and minimize disruption to daily life. While the city works to restore services, residents are advised to avoid affected streets and report any rekindled heat or steam at street level to emergency services immediately.