Crash in Encino shears hydrant, sends water gushing

One person hospitalized after truck and car collision in Los Angeles neighborhood

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:54am

A crash between a truck and a car in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon sheared a fire hydrant, causing water to erupt from the scene. One person was hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the collision, which remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Why it matters

Incidents involving damaged fire hydrants can pose a risk to public safety and property, as well as disrupt water service in the surrounding area. The crash also highlights the need for improved road safety measures in the Encino community.

The details

The collision occurred at around 3:47 p.m. near the intersection of Hayvenhurst Avenue and Calneva Drive. The impact of the crash caused one of the vehicles, described as a truck, to overturn and shear the fire hydrant, leading to a geyser of water bursting into the air. One person was transported to a local hospital, though the severity of their injuries is unclear.

  • The crash was reported at 3:47 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the crash and sheared hydrant incident.

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What’s next

The Los Angeles Police Department is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash and the condition of the hospitalized individual.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of vehicle collisions, which can lead to damage to public infrastructure and pose risks to the surrounding community.