KTLA

Massive water main break floods Sherman Oaks neighborhood

A massive water main break flooded a neighborhood in Sherman Oaks on Friday afternoon.

Calls reporting the flood on the 5100 block of Matilija Avenue came in around 3:24 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.


Sky5 video showed an intersection completely flooded with a running stream of water flowing down the long road.

Moments after Sky5 arrived, a fire hydrant appeared to have burst, creating a forceful geyser that gushed water down the street to Riverside Drive.

The water was spraying at heights of around about 6-8 feet with the asphalt underneath appearing completely destroyed.

Water was shut off to residents in the neighborhood as crews from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the L.A. Fire Department arrived at the scene.

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Around 4:30 p.m., LADWP workers were able to shut down the water source and the massive geyser.

Matilija Avenue is blocked from Magnolia Street through Riverside Drive. Drivers are asked to avoid the area at this time.

It’s unclear what caused the main to break. No water appeared to have reached any homes as neighbors were seen standing on their front lawns looking on worriedly.

Crews will now work on digging up the street to begin repairs before restoring water to residents.