Frozen fallout
BMC ER closed, Wang shows postponed
The dangerous extreme cold and wicked strong winds sparked non-stop issues across the region over the weekend, including scores of broken water pipes due to the frigid conditions.
Boston Medical Center’s emergency department is expected to remain closed through Tuesday after a frozen pipe burst, and the Boch Center Wang Theatre postponed two Impractical Jokers shows following a pipe burst as attendees waited outside the venue in the bitter cold.
“Due to severe weather, a pipe froze & burst Saturday night in Boston Medical Center’s Emergency Department,” Boston Medical Center tweeted.
“All patients in the affected areas of the Emergency Department were safely moved to other areas of the hospital,” the hospital added. “The Emergency Department will remain closed until Tuesday.”
Ambulances will continue to be diverted to other hospitals. People in need of urgent care are being told to seek medical attention at other hospitals in the area.
Meanwhile on Saturday night, the Impractical Jokers shows at the Wang Theatre were nixed after the record-low temps caused the sprinkler system to break. Several buildings in the neighborhood were facing similar problems over the weekend.
The Wang Theatre was evacuated after the fire alarm went off at 4:50 p.m. Attendees were standing out in the cold while Boston firefighters and staff tried to figure out the issue. The venue said it decided at 6:15 p.m. to postpone the shows until April 29.
“We profoundly apologize to all our patrons who were impacted by this,” Boch Center tweeted.
The Boston Fire Department was extremely busy during the extreme weather. In a 24-hour period, the Fire Alarm Division received more than 1,100 calls — of which more than 400 calls were for water leaks.
“Our Fire Alarm Division has met and exceeded the challenges that the extreme weather has caused,” the Boston Fire Department tweeted.
The Cambridge Fire Department reported “non-stop emergency responses.” That included responding to broken pipes, water leaks, vehicle accidents, fires, electrical hazards and more.
More than 45,000 Bay State households were without power at the height of the strong blustery winds, with the most outages reported along the South Shore.
“These past 24 hours have truly tested our first responders who have been battling it all — fires, car accidents, ice rescues & more — in sub-zero temps,” the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency tweeted. “Please join us in thanking them for their commitment & service.”