United States: Under-Construction Tunnel Collapses in Los Angeles; Over 30 Workers Rescued Safely
In a serious industrial accident on Wednesday, a section of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The incident occurred deep inside a massive tunnel project intended for future wastewater management. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), more than 30 workers were trapped when the structural collapse took place, but all of them were safely rescued following a swift and extensive emergency response.
The LAFD confirmed that the collapse happened approximately 8 to 9.7 kilometers (5 to 6 miles) from the only known entrance of the tunnel. Rescue teams responded immediately, launching a complex operation to reach those trapped inside. In total, 31 workers were safely evacuated, and no fatalities have been reported so far.
Aerial footage broadcasted by local news channels showed the dramatic scenes of workers being led out of the tunnel’s entrance. Specialized rescue vehicles and equipment were used to navigate the narrow and confined environment within the tunnel. The terrain inside proved to be a significant challenge, with workers having to maneuver around a mound of loose soil estimated to be 12 to 15 feet high.
Some of the workers who were on the far side of the collapsed area managed to cross the unstable soil barrier and reach their colleagues. Together, they waited for assistance and were eventually guided to safety in small groups via specialized tunnel vehicles operated by the emergency team. Paramedics on-site immediately examined 27 of the rescued workers to ensure there were no injuries or health complications due to the incident.
The tunnel, which measures approximately 18 feet in width, is a crucial part of a major infrastructure project designed to handle and transport wastewater across the region. Officials have stated that the construction site employed strict safety protocols, though investigations are now underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
More than 100 fire department personnel were deployed at the scene, including elite rescue teams trained specifically for operations in confined and hazardous environments. Their expertise played a critical role in the success of the rescue mission.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the stability of the tunnel, and construction activities have been temporarily suspended as structural engineers assess the damage. The incident has raised questions about safety measures on large-scale infrastructure projects and has prompted a review of existing protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of workers and emergency responders. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
