Broken Water Pipe Creates Sinkhole on Sunset Boulevard

A century-old, 36-inch riveted steel water pipe ruptured beneath Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood early on July 16, 2026, causing a significant sinkhole and flooding the surrounding streets. The incident led to the closure of several major roads, snarling traffic in the Los Angeles county city. Images shared online depicted local metro buses partially submerged in the murky brown water that inundated the area.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has been responding to the incident, working to address the broken water main and its consequences. The pipe's age, dating back over 100 years, is a key factor being considered in the investigation into the cause of the rupture. The extent of the damage to underground infrastructure and nearby businesses is still being assessed.

This event highlights potential vulnerabilities in aging urban infrastructure, particularly water systems that have been in place for decades. The disruption to traffic and local businesses underscores the immediate impact of such failures. LADWP's ongoing response efforts aim to restore service and repair the damage caused by the burst pipe and subsequent flooding.