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Fire engine stuck in sinkhole after water main break at Boise State

No one was injured, but streets were flooded and water to the Student Union had to be shut off.

BOISE -- Roads remain blocked on the Boise State campus Tuesday morning after a water main break caused flooding and sent a fire engine into a sinkhole.

The water line that ruptured Monday evening ran under University Drive near the Student Union Building. The intersection of University Drive and Lincoln Avenue will be closed through Wednesday morning, or until road repairs are done. The Lincoln Avenue closure extends to Belmont Street.

School will be held as planned Tuesday, with some classes moved to the Honors College. Students and staff will be notified by email if there is a location change, according to the university.

It's unclear what caused the water line to break.

Ada County dispatch said a Boise Fire Department engine fell into a sinkhole at around 7 p.m. Monday. Luckily, no firefighters or bystanders were hurt.

The line break cut off water to the Student Union Building and Sawooth Hall, and affected water pressure across campus. Campus dining services handed out sack meals and water, while Boise State's recreation center was kept open through the night for access to bathrooms and shower facilities. The university also brought in several portable restrooms.

The Lincoln Parking Garage and Brady Street Garage will remain open while road repairs are going on.

Traffic and university shuttles will be diverted around the affected area, with cars coming from Broadway diverted at Michigan Avenue and traffic from Capitol Boulevard diverted at Chrisway Drive. Traffic coming from Juanita and Joyce streets will be allowed westbound down University Drive.

Some lots north of University Drive will be accessible only through Cesar Chavez Lane.

Boise State says Suez Water was called out, and had isolated the leak to a smaller area by Monday night. Check back for updates.

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