A white BMW crashed into a fire hydrant on the southeast corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard Thursday morning, at approximately 2am. No injuries were reported, and no arrests were made.
Photos provided by street photographer Raymond Tayler show water gushing out of the sidewalk. West Hollywood sheriff deputies blocked off Santa Monica Boulevard traffic heading east to allow Los Angeles Fire first responders to shut off the water flow. According to Mr. Tayler, it took about an hour and a half to shut off the water.
The vehicle appears to have lost control and crashed into the fire hydrant while the driver was heading east on Santa Monica Boulevard. The tires were severely damaged, and the car was not operational. A flatbed tow truck eventually towed the car away from the scene.
Although some witnesses believed the driver may have been intoxicated, West Hollywood Sheriff deputies at the scene did not establish that the driver was under the influence of any substances that may have impaired him when he lost control of the vehicle. He was let go and was last seen waiting for a ride to pick him up.
If you get behind the wheel, follow the following safety tips:
- Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk — or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving.
- If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.
- If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation or call one of your local sober ride home programs.
Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. - If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
