UPDATED: Sheared Fire Hydrant Shuts Ventura Boulevard through Rush Hour

STUDIO CITY, CA - A sheared hydrant caused by a vehicle crash led to a mudslide that closed part of a major street in Studio City for about 10 hours today, authorities said.

The crash happened about 2 a.m. at Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Officer Norma Eisenman said. The motorist was taken to a hospital for examination, Eisenman said.

A section of Coldwater Canyon Avenue was closed south of Ventura Boulevard until about noon while crews worked to clear the scene.

"It's like the zombie apocalypse," Studio City resident Devin Pio told NBC4. "I've never seen Coldwater so quiet at this time on a Friday morning."

According to Channel 4, the crash damaged a vacuum breaker, which allows air to be removed from water mains, and the damaged equipment caused water and mud -- ankle-deep in some areas -- to flow onto the road.

City News Service