Update: 08/22/23 9:19 p.m. ET: The latest information indicates that two distinct vehicles were discovered in the LA River during Hurricane Hilary.
Los Angeles is experiencing heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Hilary. The city’s drainage system is under immense pressure, and recently, authorities had to retrieve a distressed hatchback from the rapidly flowing waters in northeast Los Angeles.
A video shared on TikTok by tacosandlaw, shows Los Angeles Fire Department members pulling a white EG Honda Civic out of the Los Angeles River. The vehicle was stuck in the riverbed in Montecito Heights, near Interstate 110 N, Exit 27 onto East Avenue 43.
A firefighter was lowered down on a winch to secure cables to the car so it could be hoisted back onto dry land. The retrieved car appears worn-out, covered in debris, and in a sorry state.
Another vehicle also ended up in the LA River during the storm. A similar car was sighted in a flooded area of the Compton Creek, a tributary of the Los Angeles River, as shown in a video posted by chicanolifestyletv.
The mystery remains as to how either vehicle ended up in the river. Access to the LA River requires a permit, and the city strictly regulates entry. It’s possible that the cars were previously abandoned and were swept up by the rising floodwaters.
It is vital to avoid driving through flooded areas during natural disasters. Even six inches of water can make a car float, and swift currents can easily sweep away a vehicle. It is also unsafe to walk, swim, or play in floodwaters due to potential health hazards and hidden dangers.
While Los Angeles may not often experience such heavy rainfall, the recent events serve as a good reminder for city residents. The restrictions on cars in the LA River are in place for a reason.
Have a tip to share? Was it your car? Contact the author: lewin@thedrive.com
