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.

Buildings on Elizabeth Street, Pitt Street, Goulburn Street, Park Street and Market Street are also affected.

Outages have hit an area from Hyde Park in the north-east to the corner of Campbell St and Pitt St in the south-west.

“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.”

Chief Inspector Gary Coffey from NSW Police said that the underground levels of the court complex had been flooded, affecting an underground substation.

Over a dozen people who were in custody were taken out of the cells and moved to the nearby Central Local Court.

Two people had to be freed from the lifts after they were trapped between floors when the power went out.

Contractors will be brought in to clear the water from the lower levels.

All court matters inside Downing Centre were adjourned for the day on Tuesday.

It meant delays in some of the state’s most high-profile legal matters and trials.

Castlereagh St was re-opened just before midday on Tuesday after emergency services stopped the flow of water.