Big Blue Bus Collides With Fire Hydrant, Creating Temporary Gusher of Water in Downtown Santa Monica

On Saturday afternoon, November 2, 2024, a Big Blue Bus collided with a fire hydrant in downtown Santa Monica, causing a dramatic water gusher that temporarily flooded the intersection of Broadway and 4th Street.

The impact dislodged the top portion of the hydrant, leading to a powerful spray that quickly filled the intersection. Firefighters from two companies responded to the scene, working swiftly to shut off the gushing hydrant and control the water flow. The intersection was closed for safety and cleared by 4:30 p.m., allowing traffic to resume.

According to city records, this incident is one of two to three fire hydrant collisions typically reported each year in Santa Monica. Fortunately, the city’s fire-fighting water system, which feeds these hydrants, operates independently from the customer water supply. While hydrants are directly linked to the fire-fighting infrastructure, household and commercial water systems pull from artesian wells located near 26th Street and San Vicente Boulevard, as well as Centinela Avenue and Olympic Boulevard.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of Santa Monica’s dedicated water systems, which ensure a stable supply for both emergency services and daily customer needs.