Sinkhole swallows Range Rover in Laguna Beach, triggers gas leak

Sunday, March 5, 2023
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Some residents in Laguna Beach were temporarily evacuated from their homes Sunday morning due to a gas leak caused by a large sinkhole that swallowed a woman's Range Rover.

Dramatic drone footage obtained by Eyewitness News showed a water main break near 10th and Sunset Avenue.

Police and firefighters responded to the scene as floodwater was flowing, which ultimately created a sinkhole that swallowed a parked Range Rover SUV and struck a gas line.

"We had just woke up and the next thing you know, like, my car was being swallowed," said the vehicle owner. "I was about 20 feet away and my car just sunk into the ground, my keys in hand."

The gas was shut off and crews have since been assessing the damage.

Officials said city personnel as well as the Southern California Gas Company worked to resolve the issue.

By 11:50 a.m., the leak was mitigated and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

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