A Los Angeles sinkhole swallowed a Spectrum utility van after a water main break in the Los Feliz neighborhood on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the afternoon at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Normandie streets. The burst water main flooded the surrounding area, causing a section of the road to cave in and trapping a Spectrum service van inside the resulting crater.
Spectrum representatives stated that a technician was working nearby at the time of the incident but sustained no injuries. Emergency crews shut off the local water supply, but ongoing erosion inside the crater made towing operations difficult as the vehicle continued to slip deeper.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the ruptured pipe measured 8 inches in diameter, impacting approximately 30 local water service connections. Officials have not yet released an estimated time for full repairs.
While water flowed down Normandie Avenue, authorities reported no signs of flooding inside nearby residential properties. Officials closed the surrounding area to traffic to facilitate ongoing emergency response and repair efforts.
Spectrum issued a statement expressing relief that their technician is safe and confirming that the company is fully cooperating with local authorities and emergency responders to assess the situation.
Local residents expressed shock over the sudden roadway collapse, with some pointing to aging municipal infrastructure as the likely culprit.
