Burst Water Mains And Sheared Hydrant Wreak Havoc In Malibu

MALIBU, CA — A pair of burst water mains and a sheared fire hydrant wreaked havoc on Malibu's roadways, shutting down Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Road Sunday morning.

It started at about 2 a.m. when a vehicle slammed into a fire hydrant along PCH, according to Sgt. Chris Chavez The hydrant sent water shooting into the air and flooding the westbound side of PCH, forcing the closure of all westbound lanes. Crews had the scene cleared by about 7 a.m.

Then a pair of busted water mains shut down the eastbound lanes of PCH and portions of Malibu Road.

The eastbound lanes of PCH were closed at Corral Canyon as Public Works crews worked to repair the damage, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Lost Hills/Malibu station. The eastbound lanes were reopened by about 9 a.m.

According to the sheriff's department, a water main break caused water to build up at PCH at Serra Canyon. The burst water main also shut down Malibu Road at the at the 25400 block, according to the sheriff's department. Motorists were also advised to avoid the area. As of 9:45 a.m., the road was reopened, but the going was slow as crews continued to repair the damage.