Chinatown water main break floods streets, parking lots

CHINATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles firefighters and L.A. Department of Water and Power crews worked to fix a massive water main break flooding streets and parking lots in Chinatown and Echo Park Wednesday night.

The water main break happened near Sunset Boulevard and Beaudry Avenue around 10 p.m., according to the LADWP. The utility also said water was being shut down in phases as part of the repair and restoration.

One lane was open in each direction on Sunset Boulevard by early Thursday morning.

The utility company also said water had been restored for most customers, but that about 10 were still without service. The estimated restoration time for those customers was 8 a.m.

A 24-inch main broke and flooded the intersection, as well as the nearby parking lots and drive-thrus of a Jack in the Box restaurant and CVS Pharmacy. The rushing water eventually made its way inside the front part of the restaurant, which appeared to be empty.

The water pushed up the pavement at the intersection, apparently leaving pieces of asphalt and concrete on the sidewalk. Cars were spotted driving through the rushing water to move away from the wet mess.

The LADWP said the public should use alternate routes as crews worked to clean up the scene.