Massive sinkhole swallows Sunset Boulevard, floods LA streets - USA Today
A major water main break on a 36-inch trunk line caused a massive sinkhole on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. The incident resulted in significant flooding and required intervention from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Why it matters
Infrastructure failures in major urban centers highlight the vulnerability of aging utility systems and the potential for significant local economic disruption.
Photos shows massive sinkhole after Sunset Boulevard water main break
Massive sinkhole swallows Sunset Boulevard, floods LA streets July 17, 2026, 7:52 a.m. ET
In an aerial view, utility repair workers stand near a sinkhole on Sunset Boulevard where a water main break flooded surrounding streets on July 16, 2026 in West Hollywood, California. The water main broke on a 36-inch trunk line, owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and sent thousands of gallons of water rushing down streets in the early morning hours. Mario Tama, Getty Images
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