Wednesday evening at about 5:30pm, an out-of-control car sheared a hydrant off its base in front of Column One (at the corner of University and Fourth avenues), flooding the popular neighborhood fountain store. Thousands of gallons of water poured into the street along University causing major traffic congestion to an already busy rush hour commute. Cop cars blocked the cross-town corridor at the intersections of Fourth and Avenue while spectators watched in awe. After about a half an hour the SD fire department was able to shut off the water valve. SDG&E and the water department arrived on the scene to assess any damage on the roof, residences and nearby businesses. University Avenue between Fourth and Fifth remained blocked until after 7pm.
