Liverpool flood deaths caused by sewer network, report finds

Elaine and Philip Marco drowned after their car was submerged in floodwater. Credit: Family photograph

Flooding on a road where a couple drowned was caused by issues with the sewer network, according to a report.

Elaine Marco, 76 and her husband Philip, 77 died after their black Mercedes was submerged in water on Queen's Drive in Liverpool on 26 August 2023.

The independent report by Liverpool City Council found that the sewer network could not cope with heavy rainfall.

The couple died just days before their 54th wedding anniversary.

The couple's car was submerged in heavy flooding in south Liverpool. Credit: Jason Roberts/Liverpool Echo

Emergency services were called to four other incidents of vehicles being submerged in floodwater in the months leading up to the deaths of Elaine and Philip Marco, according to the report.

On two occasions, people had to be rescued from their vehicles.

All of the incidents took place when yellow or amber weather warnings for either heavy rain or thunderstorms were issued.

According to the report, an investigation into the flooding and hydraulic modelling carried out by water company United Utilities showed “surcharging of the sewer network” during heavy rainfall was the primary cause of the flooding.

Flowers left at the scene of the flooding where Elaine and Philip Marco died. Credit: Liverpool Echo

Commissioned with engineering firm Mott Macdonald, the report said members of the public reported a “plume of water” gushing out of the sewer’s inspection chamber, where the manhole cover had blown, causing the water level to rise “extremely quickly”.

It said: “Due to the force of the water emanating from the public sewer this caused an almost tidal effect within the flood water.”

“The combined sewer network in the area cannot cope with the volume of water that falls in a short period of time.”

The highway drainage system contributed to the flood, it found.

The frequency of flooding incidents was noted to have risen in 2023, with the cause still to be verified.

The report recommended United Utilities, along with the council and Network Rail, work to find permanent solutions to reduce the frequency and impact of flooding in the area.

Since the fatal incident, Liverpool City Council has installed measures including sensors which provide early warnings of rising water levels, CCTV cameras, signage and road barriers.

In a statement after their deaths, the family of the Marcos said the “only comfort” was that they were together to the end.

Friends described them as a “kind and generous” couple whose catering business was popular in the local Jewish community they were part of.

A United Utilities spokeswoman said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of Elaine and Philip Marco and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.

“We participated fully in this report into the flooding at Queens Drive and will continue to work with all organisations that have an impact on surface and groundwater in this area so that we can improve drainage at this location and across the wider city region.”

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