23-05-2025
Hadley apartment complex evacuated due to sewage leak
HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – A sudden sewage backflow into an apartment complex in Hadley has left dozens of residents and their families without a place to call home.
It happened at the Vesta Apartment Homes on Greenleaves Drive. Hadley interim town administrator, Michael Mason, told 22News that nine apartments on the first floor were affected with sewage coming from the pipes.
Mason adds that after a brief inspection by public safety, the building inspector and Board of Health, it was determined that residents would have to be evacuated and move into local hotels. One resident, Craig Tela, mentioned that his girlfriend and her two kids were notified to move out by the leasing management just before 10 AM on Thursday.
He described the apartment as having an inch of sewage, with bathroom tubs overflowing and water in the kitchen. 'It's been emotional. But yeah, it's been difficult,' says Tela. 'And the great thing is everyone's pulled together like some of us don't even know each other, even though we're neighbors, now we do. And everyone pulled together and pretty much helped each other out.'
None of the residents on the upper floors required evacuation and have been cleared to remain in the building. The Amherst DPW superintendent says they were in there yesterday, helping to make repairs to both the clogged sewer and a large sinkhole that formed behind the building.
DPW has been working with the apartment complex to get this issue resolved. They will be back on Friday. It is estimated that it will likely be days, if not weeks, before residents will be allowed to move back into their homes.
We have reached out to the apartment complex for comment, but have yet to hear back. We will provide updates as soon as they become available.
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