Car Frozen in Icy Flood After Crashing Into Detroit Fire Hydrant

Broken hydrant floods street near airport, trapping vehicle in freezing water.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A car crashed into a fire hydrant on Detroit's east side, causing the hydrant to break and flood the street near the Coleman Young International Airport. The car is now frozen in the icy water that has accumulated from the broken hydrant.

Why it matters

Broken fire hydrants can lead to significant flooding and property damage, especially in cold weather when the water can quickly freeze. This incident highlights the need for proper maintenance and quick response to address such issues in Detroit's infrastructure.

The details

The crash occurred near the intersection of French Road and Leander Street on Monday, February 9th. Crews are currently on the scene working to shut off the water and assess the damage. Officials from the Great Lakes Water Authority have been contacted to coordinate the repair plan.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Great Lakes Water Authority

The regional water utility responsible for maintaining and repairing water infrastructure in the Detroit metropolitan area.

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What’s next

Crews will work to shut off the water and begin repairs to the broken fire hydrant and any damage to the street and surrounding area.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance to prevent costly and dangerous situations like this from occurring, especially in cold weather climates where water can quickly freeze and cause additional damage.