Flooding from broken water main prompts high-rise evacuation in downtown LA

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Flooding caused by a broken water main at a residential high-rise in downtown Los Angeles forced evacuations on Monday.

The break was reported around 2 p.m. in the 700 block of West Olympic Boulevard. According to fire officials, a water main broke on the top floor of the 25-story structure.

Firefighters were at the building working on a small sprinkler leak. When management turned the water back on a 6-inch pipe that feeds the sprinkler system failed on the 25th floor of the building.

Authorities reported approximately 1.5 inches of water pooling on each floor as a result of the break. The first eight floors is reserved for parking, but floors nine through 25 are filled with apartments, many of which sustained water damage.

Tenants from 151 units were evacuated from the building. It is unknown what caused the initial leak or how many gallons of water were lost due to the failure.

Firefighters returned the building to its owner and management company, but the building was yellow tagged and tenants were not allowed back into their homes.