Ruptured water main triggers massive geyser in Larchmont

LARCHMONT, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A ruptured water main triggered a massive geyser in the Larchmont area on Tuesday morning, which left at least 60 homes without water.

The incident was reported shortly before 7:30 a.m. at Melrose Avenue and Wilton Place.

The giant geyser towered higher than some buildings in the block, including the Hollywood Historic Hotel, but eventually subsided.

Crews from the Los Angeles City Fire Department and L.A. Department of Water and Power were on scene and discovered a 10-inch main had failed.

The break caused street flooding, and officials said some nearby properties have a minimal flood threat. Between 60 and 70 homes were also left without water Tuesday night.

"This water main is possibly 100 years old. Right now we have multiple leaks going, some of it due to the weather. We have cold water coming down from the high sierras, and that has pipes expanding and contracting," said Donald Williams of the LADWP.

No one was injured, and no evacuations were ordered, though witnesses like Daniel Yorke said it was an incredible sight.

"I saw this geyser that was like two times the height of the buildings around us," he said. "It was as high as the window I was in, or higher, which was a three-story building."

Melrose Avenue was shut down between Wilton and St. Andrews places as crews worked to repair the pipe.