car crash

Trader Joe's Drenched by Geyser From Hydrant Damaged in Three-Car Crash

The store in Hancock Park was closed for a safety inspection

An early morning crash involving three cars took out a fire hydrant, spraying water onto a Trader Joe's that was closed for a major cleanup.

The crash was reported at about 1 a.m. at the intersection of La Brea Avenue and Third Street in Hancock Park. One car rolled onto its side against the grocery store.

No serious injuries were reported. All drivers involved in the crash remained at the scene. 

The initial crash investigation indicates a Dodge Charger was northbound when the driver went through a red light, colliding with a Volkswagen traveling west, police said. The VW slammed into a curb and tree. A BMW also was struck in the chain reaction crash, sending that car into the hydrant, police said.

The geyser of water from the sheared hydrant rocketed into the air and onto the roof of the store. A section of roof over the cash registers appeared to be damaged.

The building was being inspected early Monday. It was not immediately clear how long it will remain closed.

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