News - National
Sink hole swallows fire truck
Posted: Sep 8, 2009 12:00 PM by Associated Press
Four Los Angeles firefighters have escaped unharmed from their fire engine, after it fell into a large sinkhole in the San Fernando Valley.
Officials say the firefighters were responding to a call about flooding on a residential street when they saw excessive water on the road. Worried that the ground was unstable, they were trying to back-out the 22-ton engine when the road collapsed.
Two firefighters safely climbed out of the windows, while the other two jumped off the rear of the vehicle as water and mud began pouring in. Fire officials say the $500,000 engine appears salvageable, though the radio and computer system in the cab are likely damaged.
Crews are inspecting for possible damage to gas and sewer lines in the area.
The broken main had been scheduled for repair. It was part of the city's original water system, which dates to 1914.
As Seen On News 5
