Geyser From Water Main Break Damages Several Cars In Mid-City

MID-CITY WILSHIRE (CBSLA.com) — A six-inch water main ruptured early Friday in Mid-City, letting loose a powerful geyser that damaged several cars.

The break was reported at about 1:50 a.m. in the 1600 block of South Bronson Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

The powerful rush of water that went as high as 40 feet broke up asphalt, sending up pieces that went flying into parked cars.

"I just heard this big explosion," neighbor Petagay Osbourne said. "So when I looked out the bathroom, I saw the sinkhole just busted open."

Several cars were damaged, in spite of firefighter's efforts to cover some cars with tarps. Oscar Medina's car's rear window was shattered, and the back of his car was littered with broken glass and pieces of asphalt.

"When I woke up this morning, I saw my car," Medina said. "For me, it was a total loss. This window is completely damaged, completely destroyed."

Bronson Avenue remained closed even after the water was shut off because the break and geyser created a large hole in the street. Seventeen apartments are without water.

LADWP confirmed a leak on that pipe had just been repaired recently.