Havoc as Sydney's biggest court evacuated
Sydney's largest court complex was evacuated on Tuesday morning after a burst water main wreaked havoc.
Thousands of lawyers, defendants, court staff, members of the public and journalists had to exit the building in Sydney's CBD about 9.45am.
Proceedings had just started for the day when court rooms were plunged into darkness and soon after everyone was asked to evacuate the building.
'Please be aware that a burst water main on Castlereagh St has caused a power outage in the Downing Centre and some neighbouring buildings. The Downing Centre has been evacuated as a precaution,' a Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said.
'We will update you as soon as we can in relation to court sittings for today and moving forward.'
It meant delays in some of the state's most high-profile legal matters and trials on Tuesday.
The burst water main caused water to flood into the basement of the court complex, knocking out power.
Castlereagh St was closed on Tuesday morning as the NSW Fire Service attempted to stop the flow of water.
It's not known when the court will reopen.
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