Water main rupture floods Westlake streets and nearby homeless camp
A burst water main early Thursday sent millions of gallons into Westlake, flooding streets and a homeless encampment near Beverly and North Occidental Boulevards.
Around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, a water main under Sunset Boulevard ruptured, releasing an estimated 17 million gallons into the Westlake area of Los Angeles. The floodwaters quickly covered sidewalks, cars and a nearby homeless encampment situated near Beverly and North Occidental Boulevards. Residents and unhoused individuals were seen struggling to move mattresses and personal items as the water rose.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power spokesperson Lesly Figueroa said the cause of the break remains unknown. Utility crews managed to stop the flow, closed one lane of eastbound traffic for repairs, and restored water service to some households. The department also advised motorists to drive cautiously and consider alternate streets while work continued.
Why it matters
The incident highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities and the risks faced by unhoused populations during utility failures.
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