'There was no stopping it': West Hollywood resident recounts water main break flooding apartment

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: A West Hollywood resident has described the terrifying moment he woke up to a "river" of water rushing toward his apartment after a massive water main break flooded streets, submerged vehicles, and prompted emergency crews to respond before dawn on Thursday, July 16.

Resident recounts terrifying West Hollywood flood

Kyle MacLelland, 37, told the New York Post that he and his boyfriend were asleep when they were jolted awake around 3 a.m. by the sound of rushing water outside their ground-floor apartment near Palm Avenue.

"We jumped out of bed and saw a crazy river coming down the street, shooting towards our apartment," MacLelland said, adding that the couple tried to stop the water from entering their home but quickly realized the effort was "futile." 

"Water was spraying everywhere. There was no stopping it. There was nothing we could do," he said.

Videos shared by MacLelland showed floodwater soaking rugs, cushions, and furniture as it poured into the apartment. He also said both of the couple's vehicles, which were parked in the underground garage, were completely submerged.

"We lost both our cars in the underground car park," he said. "They're submerged in water."

The West Hollywood flooding was caused by a ruptured century-old water main, which sent thousands of gallons of water through nearby streets. The incident also damaged businesses, including Dialog Cafe, and left several residential buildings with extensive water damage.

Water main break creates massive sinkhole

The water main break also created a large sinkhole at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive, prompting road closures as repair crews worked to stabilize the area.

West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman said city officials were relieved that no residents were seriously injured. 

"All of our residents, to our knowledge, are safe," Heilman said during a press briefing, adding that many people remained in shock as they assessed the damage to their homes, vehicles, and apartment garages.

Authorities said residents were focused on cleanup and beginning the insurance claims process as emergency crews continued repairs to the damaged infrastructure.

MacLelland, who works for the Tennis Channel, said the experience was unlike anything he had ever witnessed and believes the disaster could have been avoided.

"It was not a good situation to wake up to," he said.

The incident has renewed concerns about Los Angeles' aging water infrastructure, with residents pointing to deteriorating underground pipes as crews continue investigating the cause of the rupture.