A commercial building in North Hills, Los Angeles, faced a catastrophic event when a sheared fire hydrant caused severe flooding leading to a partial collapse. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a truck collided with a hydrant at the corner of West Nordhoff Street and Sepulveda Boulevard.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the call just before 3 p.m., finding the one-story building housing a T-Mobile store and a dental office inundated, and FOX 11 notes that the accumulation of water led to the roof's collapse Sgt. Cody Derosa with the LAPD highlighted how fortunate it was that the T-Mobile manager had evacuated everyone before the collapse occurred, emphasizing that no injuries were reported. The LAFD also confirmed through their alert system that the structural integrity of the building was compromised, but no further details were offered at the time.
Authorities are currently in search of the truck driver involved in the hit-and-run that instigated the collapse, the perpetrator left the scene post-crash leaving behind a geyser of water that overwhelmed the building's infrastructure. Per reports from KTLA, T-Mobile has expressed relief that no employees or customers were harmed and has directed patrons to alternative locations while the store remains closed.
The LAPD has since referred to the building as a total loss, with demolition expected in a few days after property and damage assessments, according to FOX 11. The accident, which also involved a collision with a Mercedes, has prompted involvement from SoCalGas and the Los Angeles Departments of Building and Safety, and Water and Power, though it remains unclear if the adjacent dental office suffered similar damage as a result of the incident.
