ORLANDO, Fla. -- More than 12 families in Orlando were evacuated after a pipe break sent a flow of raw sewage into their homes.

Officials said the flood of filth trapped families in the Lake Village apartments Wednesday night until rescue crews could remove them from the mess.

"It is a health hazard and that is why we are keeping our people out of it and keeping the people inside," Orlando Fire Chief Rick Walker said.

The sewage ended up seeping into some of the apartments before crews could stop the flow.

The city moved the residents into a hotel until cleanup could be completed.

Officials closed Mercy Drive because of the sewage.