A clean-up operation swung into action on Canvey after raw sewage poured from a ruptured main.
Firefighters from Canvey fire station were called to Thames Road after foul-smelling effluent erupted from the island's main sewage pipe, which takes waste to the sewage treatment plant, also in Thames Road.
At one stage the waste was six inches deep as thousands of litres flooded the road, threatening homes.
Fire officers had sandbags ready in case they were needed to stop the waste floating into people's homes - but although the sewage reached gardens and garages the houses remained safe.
Acting sub-officer Nigel Norfolk said: "There was masses of raw sewage all over the roads. The sewage was encroaching on people's gardens and into their garages but luckily it didn't make it into anyone's homes, although we did have sandbags in case they were needed.
Published Thursday November 29, 2001
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