A sudden tunnel collapse inside a sprawling Los Angeles industrial complex sparked hours of deep concern on Wednesday evening, only to end in unexpected relief as all 31 trapped workers were safely rescued without injury. The incident unfolded nearly six miles underground in a massive wastewater tunnel project still under construction. As panic hovered beneath the surface, brave crews and quick-thinking workers turned a night of looming disaster into a tale of escape and precision. With no casualties, this dramatic rescue now echoes as a rare triumph beneath the city’s foundations.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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31 tunnel workers rescued safely after underground collapse
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Incident happened in wastewater tunnel project under construction
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Workers had to climb over 12-15 feet of loose soil to reach safety
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No serious injuries reported, 27 workers evaluated at the scene
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More than 100 LAFD responders involved, including Urban Search and Rescue
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Tunnel is expected to be completed by 2027
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Mayor Karen Bass and LAFD Chief Ronnie Villanueva addressed media
Los Angeles narrowly avoided a major tragedy on Wednesday evening when a tunnel under construction in a large industrial complex partially collapsed, trapping over two dozen workers underground. In what officials are calling a “fortunate outcome,” all 31 workers who had been caught beyond the collapse zone were safely rescued without serious injuries.
The incident occurred inside a massive 18-foot diameter tunnel being excavated as part of a long-term municipal wastewater infrastructure project. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the collapse took place deep underground—at a yet-undetermined depth—approximately five to six miles from the sole access and rescue point.
A Race Against Uncertainty
When the collapse occurred, it momentarily created a dire situation deep within the city’s expanding wastewater system. However, the workers trapped behind the point of failure managed to stay calm and quickly assessed their path to safety. They had to make their way over a large pile of unstable, loose soil—reportedly 12 to 15 feet high—to reach a section of the tunnel that remained intact.
From there, they joined other colleagues and were transported, a few at a time, in tunnel utility vehicles toward the distant access point over five miles away. Emergency responders met them at the surface, using a crane to hoist them out in cages—groups of about eight at a time.
Official Statements
Interim LAFD Chief Ronnie Villanueva described the rescue effort with a sense of relief, though tempered by caution.
“Tonight, we were lucky,” he told reporters at a late evening press conference. “The conditions underground were unpredictable, and a collapse of this nature could have ended much worse.”
Villanueva also acknowledged the swift and coordinated action by specialized units trained for such incidents.
“Our Urban Search and Rescue teams are among the best, and this evening they showed why their training matters.”
The department dispatched over 100 personnel to the scene, including confined space specialists certified to handle complex tunnel environments. Their goal was to ensure a safe exit for all workers, while continuing to assess structural risks underground.
A Mayor’s Relief
Mayor Karen Bass also arrived at the scene to speak with workers and emergency crews. Her remarks struck a personal tone, reflecting both her concern and relief.
“We’re all blessed today in Los Angeles,” Bass told reporters. “No one injured. Everyone safe. And I am feeling very, very good that this is a great outcome to what started as a very scary evening.”
She added that she had spoken directly with several of the rescued workers.
“Their composure and strength were truly admirable,” she said. “And to our emergency responders—you are L.A.’s true heroes.”
Mayor Bass later reiterated her appreciation in a post on social media platform X, writing,
“I just spoke with many of the workers who were trapped. Thank you to all of our brave first responders who acted immediately. You are L.A.’s true heroes.”
Still Unanswered Questions
While the outcome was positive, several questions remain unanswered. It is still unclear whether the cage-hoisting method used during the extraction was part of standard operating procedures or was specially implemented due to the emergency conditions. Witnesses at the scene reported that most workers appeared physically unhurt and were able to walk without assistance.
As a precautionary measure, at least 27 workers were examined by paramedics at the site. None showed signs of visible injury, and all were reportedly in stable condition.
The tunnel, which is a key component of the city’s wastewater management upgrade, is part of a multi-year infrastructure initiative and is not expected to be completed until 2027, according to local affiliate KABC.
A Close Call
Though the incident concluded without physical harm, officials emphasized the seriousness of the collapse and the potential dangers involved in such deep excavation projects.
“This was not just a lucky night—it was the result of skilled planning, training, and some quick thinking by the workers themselves,” said Chief Villanueva.
As work resumes on the tunnel, investigators will likely focus on identifying the cause of the collapse and ensuring future safety protocols are enhanced.
For now, Los Angeles is breathing a collective sigh of relief.
What could have spiraled into a devastating catastrophe beneath Los Angeles ended instead as a rare and reassuring victory for both the workers and emergency crews. With every individual safely returned to the surface, the tunnel collapse stands as a stark reminder of the risks faced in massive infrastructure undertakings—yet also a testament to preparedness, swift coordination, and human resilience. As the city now turns to investigate the cause and reinforce future safety, this incident closes with no injuries, no losses—only relief, reflection, and quiet applause for those who acted without hesitation.
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