Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
Man Wandering In Storm Drains Rescued In Los Feliz
A man had to be rescued from a storm drain in Los Feliz yesterday, and he told rescuers that he'd been traveling via the drainage system for about 2 miles. On Thursday afternoon at about 1:40 p.m., firefighters responded to reports of noise coming from a storm drain near DeLongpre and Hyperion Ave., the Eastsider reports. There, they found a man was trapped in the storm drain. They dropped a rope about 30 feet down and helped the man pull himself out. According to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey, the man was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
Humphrey said the man claimed to have traveled about two miles via the drainage system, beginning at Beverly Blvd. and Vermont Avenue. Though Humphrey couldn't confirm the man's story, he said it is possible that it's true. Los Angeles' storm drain network consists of narrow pipes and conduits that are eight feet tall. So, the average person could drop down a manhole or crawl into a curb and wander around.
As illustrated by yesterday's incident, that's probably not a great idea. Last fall, firefighters had to rescue two teenage boys who got trapped exploring storm drains in Ventura County. Plus, you never know what's down there.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
