Imagine being told to leave your home—That’s what happened to 150+ Aussie residents in the middle of the night
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It’s the kind of story that makes you double-check your own front door and wonder, 'Could this happen to me?'
More than 150 residents of a high-rise apartment building in Adelaide’s city centre were forced to pack up and leave their homes in a hurry after a shocking and, according to authorities, 'deliberate' act of flooding sent water cascading through multiple floors of the building.
The drama unfolded at Penny Place, a modern apartment tower located near the Federal Court building, just before 9pm.
What started as a trickle quickly turned into a torrent, as water was discovered gushing down from the 24th floor.
The culprit? Several fire hydrants had been turned on—intentionally, police say—unleashing a deluge that swept through the building and even reached the carpark below.
The aftermath was nothing short of chaos. Around 152 residents were evacuated, many with little more than the clothes on their backs.
For some, the ordeal was made even more distressing by the need to leave beloved pets behind.
One resident, Jay, shared his heartbreak with 9News: 'She was so scared, just hiding under the sofa,' he said of his cat, who had to be left behind as Jay sought refuge in a nearby hotel.
Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Fire Service and the State Emergency Service (SES), worked through the night and into the next day to clean up the extensive water damage.
The building’s management and authorities have confirmed that residents won’t be able to return home for at least several days, as the clean-up and safety inspections continue.
Police have launched a full investigation, treating the incident as a deliberate act of sabotage. As of now, those responsible remain at large, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
While this incident is both rare and shocking, it does raise important questions about building security and emergency preparedness—especially for those of us living in apartments or retirement complexes.
Fire hydrants and other emergency systems are designed to save lives, but in the wrong hands, they can cause significant damage.
It’s a timely reminder to all residents—whether you’re in a high-rise or a single-storey home—to be aware of your building’s safety protocols.
Do you know where the emergency exits are? Are there security cameras in common areas? Is there a building manager or security guard on site? These are all questions worth asking, especially in the wake of incidents like this.
For many, the hardest part of an evacuation isn’t just the inconvenience—it’s the emotional toll. Being forced out of your home at a moment’s notice is stressful enough, but having to leave behind pets or treasured possessions can be truly heartbreaking.
If you have a pet, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for emergencies, including a carrier or travel bag ready to go.
Events like this also highlight the importance of having adequate home and contents insurance. Water damage can be incredibly costly to repair, and not all policies cover every scenario.
If you’re unsure about your coverage, now might be a good time to review your policy or have a chat with your insurer.
Read more: The bizarre reason $50,000 was found hidden in this Aussie apartment
Have you ever experienced an emergency evacuation or unexpected disaster in your building? How did you cope, and what advice would you give to others? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
And to our Adelaide members affected by this incident, we’re thinking of you and hope you’re able to return home soon. Stay safe, everyone!
More than 150 residents of a high-rise apartment building in Adelaide’s city centre were forced to pack up and leave their homes in a hurry after a shocking and, according to authorities, 'deliberate' act of flooding sent water cascading through multiple floors of the building.
The drama unfolded at Penny Place, a modern apartment tower located near the Federal Court building, just before 9pm.
What started as a trickle quickly turned into a torrent, as water was discovered gushing down from the 24th floor.
The culprit? Several fire hydrants had been turned on—intentionally, police say—unleashing a deluge that swept through the building and even reached the carpark below.
The aftermath was nothing short of chaos. Around 152 residents were evacuated, many with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Over 150 Adelaide apartment residents were evacuated after their building was deliberately flooded by someone activating several fire hydrants. Image source: 9News Australia / Facebook.
For some, the ordeal was made even more distressing by the need to leave beloved pets behind.
One resident, Jay, shared his heartbreak with 9News: 'She was so scared, just hiding under the sofa,' he said of his cat, who had to be left behind as Jay sought refuge in a nearby hotel.
Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Fire Service and the State Emergency Service (SES), worked through the night and into the next day to clean up the extensive water damage.
The building’s management and authorities have confirmed that residents won’t be able to return home for at least several days, as the clean-up and safety inspections continue.
Police have launched a full investigation, treating the incident as a deliberate act of sabotage. As of now, those responsible remain at large, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
While this incident is both rare and shocking, it does raise important questions about building security and emergency preparedness—especially for those of us living in apartments or retirement complexes.
Fire hydrants and other emergency systems are designed to save lives, but in the wrong hands, they can cause significant damage.
It’s a timely reminder to all residents—whether you’re in a high-rise or a single-storey home—to be aware of your building’s safety protocols.
Do you know where the emergency exits are? Are there security cameras in common areas? Is there a building manager or security guard on site? These are all questions worth asking, especially in the wake of incidents like this.
For many, the hardest part of an evacuation isn’t just the inconvenience—it’s the emotional toll. Being forced out of your home at a moment’s notice is stressful enough, but having to leave behind pets or treasured possessions can be truly heartbreaking.
If you have a pet, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for emergencies, including a carrier or travel bag ready to go.
Events like this also highlight the importance of having adequate home and contents insurance. Water damage can be incredibly costly to repair, and not all policies cover every scenario.
If you’re unsure about your coverage, now might be a good time to review your policy or have a chat with your insurer.
Read more: The bizarre reason $50,000 was found hidden in this Aussie apartment
Have you ever experienced an emergency evacuation or unexpected disaster in your building? How did you cope, and what advice would you give to others? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
And to our Adelaide members affected by this incident, we’re thinking of you and hope you’re able to return home soon. Stay safe, everyone!
