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AHOSKIE – An apparent hit-and-run driver is to blame for an unexpected “flood” here Sunday afternoon.

Approximately 700,000 gallons of water spilled onto a portion of Memorial Drive after a driver struck a fire hydrant located near the stoplight at the main entrance to the Ahoskie Commons Shopping Center.

Major Justin Farmer of the Ahoskie Police Department said the incident happened around 3 p.m.

“We got the call at that time,” Farmer said. “Our responding officers were informed that it appeared two vehicles may have been involved in a fender bender at that location. Apparently, one of the vehicles struck the fire hydrant, but both vehicles left the scene before our arrival.”

Farmer added there was no description given of either vehicle.

The ruptured hydrant took nearly eight hours to repair, and those were only temporary in nature, according to Ahoskie Fire Chief Michael Bradley. That caused the water to be shut off in that area of town.

“Our guys were back out there Tuesday morning to complete the repairs,” Bradley stated.

Meanwhile, the Ahoskie Police are seeking the driver (or drivers) responsible.

“If anyone has information that will help us identify those involved, please call the Ahoskie Police Department at 252-332-5011,” Farmer said.