Full Breakdown
Sinkhole Swallows Van on Los Feliz Street
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Late Wednesday morning an 8-inch water main failed near the intersection of Franklin and Normandie avenues in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, creating a massive sinkhole that opened beneath a Spectrum telecommunications van. The van became partially submerged as water rushed through the breach, prompting crews to halt traffic and begin recovery efforts. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reported that the pipe burst disrupted water service to roughly 30 nearby homes and forced the closure of Normandie Avenue from Franklin Avenue to DeMille Drive while repairs are underway. No timeline has been provided for restoring service or reopening the street.
Background: Aging Infrastructure
Residents described the incident as part of a pattern of recent water-main failures in the city. In July, a 110-year-old water line burst, flooding businesses, vehicles, and apartments across the area. Community members expressed frustration that aging pipes and delayed maintenance have left neighborhoods vulnerable to such events.
Official Statements & Response
Spectrum confirmed that its technician was unharmed and said the company will retrieve the van once it is deemed safe. The LADWP explained that the sinkhole formed after the water main failed and that crews are working to repair the pipe and stabilize the roadway. The utility noted that 31 homes were affected by the break and that water service remains interrupted for those households.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were standing out here. We watched this van go down. It was just to the fender and watched it sink, all the rocks coming up and it was just unbelievable,” — Gayle, a nearby resident
- “Just two weeks ago right at the same house when Spectrum was working there was a water main break and they were supposed to have fixed it,” — Gayle, a nearby resident
Impact and Service Disruption
The sudden loss of water service has left dozens of households without running water, prompting concerns about hygiene and daily routines. Street closures have also limited vehicle access for residents and emergency responders. The incident underscores ongoing debates about the need for accelerated upgrades to Los Angeles’ water distribution system.
