LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A collapsed sewer line in Boyle Heights today led to a spill of more than 2,000 gallons of sewage and resulted in a sinkhole, authorities said.
The problem was reported about 8:15 a.m. in the 500 block of South Mission Road, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Firefighters used heavy equipment to prevent a vehicle from falling into the sinkhole and damaging natural gas lines, the LAFD reported. No injuries were reported.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, the 33-inch brick-and-concrete sewer line is 95 years old, and collapsed at its “top portion.''
“A bypass is being set up by (an) emergency contractor in order to isolate the affected area, remove water and debris and make repairs,'' the DPW said in a statement early Friday afternoon. “The cost of repair is estimated to be between $400,000 (and) $1 million.''
About 2,000-3,000 gallons of sewage overflowed, the DPW reported.
“Staff have sandbagged the sewer drains and are working to capture sewage from the storm drains before it reaches the LA River,'' the DPW said.
The Regional Water Quality Control Board has been notified, the DPW reported.
“The area has been secured and there are no injuries reported,'' the DPW said. “Emergency personnel responded to the scene and are investigating the incident.''
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