Driver mows down fire hydrant, causing flooding in Chatsworth neighborhood

Friday, August 20, 2021
Driver mows down fire hydrant, causing flooding in Chatsworth
A hit-and-run driver crashed into a fire hydrant, shearing it off and sending a torrent of water into a number of nearby homes in Chatsworth Thursday evening.

CHATSWORTH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A hit-and-run driver crashed into a fire hydrant, shearing it off and sending a torrent of water into a number of nearby homes in Chatsworth Thursday evening, neighbors said.

The flooding occurred in the 10900 block of Andora Avenue around 6:11 p.m., prompting a response from Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters and LADWP crews.

LAFD said there were no injuries or evacuations due to the flood.

Prior to the flooding, home surveillance video captured an SUV go down the street and as it speeds out of view, water suddenly shoots up into the air after the fire hydrant was sheared, narrowly missing a man walking his dog. The dog was seen running away from the area.

Another video captured the SUV crash and drag trash cans along the way. In each video the driver speeds off.

The water continued to flow for more than an hour since firefighters couldn't find the shutoff valve.

Resident Heidi Lane said her whole front yard was underwater.

LADWP remained at the scene late into the night pumping out the water.