SAN DIEGO -- An out-of-control vehicle sheared a fire hydrant off its base at a Hillcrest intersection Wednesday, sending a shower of water several stories into the air and flooding a nearby building, authorities reported.

The accident occurred in the 400 block of University Avenue about 5:30 p.m., according to San Diego police and fire officials.

The resulting geyser inundated the roof of the adjacent two-story commercial/residential structure with several feet of water, raising concerns about a possible collapse and forcing evacuations, a dispatcher said.

Water department personnel got the overflow of water under control within about 15 minutes.

Red Cross workers were dispatched to help about a dozen displaced apartment dwellers find interim housing.