Two Electrocuted After Helping Driver in Valley Village Crash

A vehicle reportedly crashed into a fire hydrant and a light stand, which energized the water and shocked several people

Two women were electrocuted Wednesday night after responding to the scene of a crash in Valley Village where a vehicle slammed into a fire hydrant and a utility pole, according to Erik Scott with LA Fire Department.

Eight people in total were injured, Scott said. Six of them were transported to the hospital. Details regarding their conditions were not available early Thursday.

An investigation into the crash is underway, but officials say it appears the male driver of a white Chevy Traverse was travelling west on Magnolia Boulevard when he attempted to make a right turn and lost control.

The driver of the vehicle was hospitalized, but his condition was not immediately known, said Capt. Peter Whittingham, with LAPD North Hollywood.

Witnesses say the deceased Good Samaritans had would-be rescuers of their own.

"I heard the skid of a car...at least three seconds long, and then a very loud boom," said James Pike, witness. "I run outside and across the street I see two women laying on the sidewalk. I see two or three young gentlemen keep trying to rescue them and pull them to safety and each time they would try to pull them they were getting shocked."

Gushing water from the sheered-off hydrant combined with downed wires created conditions that led to several people getting shocked, Scott said.

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The hydrant and power lines were shut off near the intersection of Magnolia Boulevard and Ben Avenue, where first responders arrived to find a vehicle on the lawn of a residence.

The crash occurred in the 12000 block of West Magnolia Boulevard, near Laurel Canyon Boulevard, (map) at about 8:25 p.m., Scott said. More than 30 firefighters responded to the scene.

Immediately after the crash, a fire hydrant was gushing water about two stories into the air, according to aerial footage.

Officials on Wednesday night reminded the public to never go near down power lines and avoid contact with any leaves, grass or water near the severed lines.

If you are in a vehicle near downed lines, you should remain there, officials said, adding never to respond to a vehicle near downed lines, but rather to call out to the person in the vehicle and call 911.


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