A break in a 24-inch water main caused extensive street flooding in South Los Angeles Friday, leaving several parked vehicles fully or partially buried in mud and damaging some homes.
Forty-one people were displaced as a result of the break, reported about 5 a.m. in the decades-old cast iron main at 55th Street and Towne Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
The displaced residents were being served lunch at the Fred Roberts Recreation Center at 4700 Honduras Street, and would be fed and lodged until they can return home, the DWP said.
“The city’s Department of Disability and the Department of Animal Services are also working with LADWP to support those who have special needs as well as those who own pets,” officials said.
Crews shut down the flow of water shortly before 9 a.m., but not before streets, yards and driveways were flooded. At one point, aerial images showed some vehicles sinking in the water toward the main break.
The DWP reported that four vehicles sustained serious damage, despite the leak being substantially slowed two hours after the break was reported.
“The shutdown process for the 24-inch diameter pipe had to be done carefully so as to not damage other pipes in the area,” according to an LADWP state issued late Friday morning that said 75 customers were without water.
“Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to get water restored to those customers,” the utility said. “LADWP is working with other city agencies to reroute traffic in the area.”
Sections of 55th Street and 56th Street were closed to traffic between Main Street and Avalon Boulevard. Firefighters assisted some residents in getting out of their homes past the water that flooded their driveways and yards.
“The leak has caused property damage in the area, which will be assessed by on-site claim agents,” the LADWP said.
Gas service has also been shut off in the area of the break to allow crews to perform shoring work and the removal of vehicles, the DWP reported.
Information on how affected customers can file a damage claim with LADWP is available at www.ladwpnews.com/information-on-how-to-file-a-claim.