Support for LAist comes from
Made of L.A.
Stay Connected

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Sinkhole Swallows Car in Whittier, Eroded Pipe to Blame

Support your source for local news!
The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. Today, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters arrived on the scene of a sinkhole that opened up late yesterday afternoon in the 13900 block of Coteau Drive in Whittier, according to the Whittier Daily News. At first thought to be due to rain-saturated ground, the hole began to open around a parked car at about 5 p.m. Tuesday, reports KTLA.

The sinkhole ultimately grew to a 12-foot diameter, and was more than 4 feet deep; the car sank, but was hoisted out. No one had been in the vehicle, and there were no injuries associated with the sinkhole. As a precaution, homes in the area were evacuated, however authorities have now declared the ground stable, and residents are home.

Investigators believe now that the sinkhole was caused by a broken sewer line, according to a live report on KTLA, "basically an old pipe" that simply eroded, and flooded the ground.

Most Read