Daijiworld Media Network- Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Jul 10: In a tense night marked by fear and urgency, 31 workers trapped in an under-construction industrial tunnel in Wilmington, Los Angeles, were successfully evacuated after a partial collapse on Wednesday evening. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that all 31 have been safely removed, though search and rescue operations are still underway to ensure no one else remains underground.
The incident occurred around 8 pm (local time) at the site located at 1701 N Figueroa St, the only known entry point to the massive tunnel system. Initially, fears mounted that up to 15 workers may have been trapped following the collapse.
The tunnel, still under construction, is intended to carry wastewater upon completion and spans 18 feet (5.5 meters) in width. Officials indicated that the collapse happened nearly six miles south of the main access point, making the rescue effort particularly challenging.
More than 100 LAFD personnel, including Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams specially trained for confined-space operations, were dispatched to the site. Aerial visuals from news helicopters showed dramatic footage of workers being hoisted to safety through the tunnel’s vertical access point.
Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the swift mobilization on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “The City of Los Angeles has mobilized resources to the tunnel collapse in Wilmington. More than 100 LAFD responders have been deployed, including Urban Search and Rescue teams. Thank you to all of those who are acting immediately to respond to this emergency.”
The tunnel project, part of a large-scale wastewater infrastructure upgrade, stretches across several miles beneath the city’s industrial zone. Emergency services have been grappling with the sheer length and complexity of the tunnel, which has only one official entrance.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the collapse. Engineering teams and structural experts are on-site to assess stability and risk of further cave-ins.
No fatalities have been reported, and those rescued are currently undergoing medical evaluation. Some workers were treated for minor injuries and fatigue, but no serious injuries have been disclosed so far.
The incident has prompted broader questions about tunnel safety protocols and inspection standards, especially for large-scale infrastructure projects. Federal and state occupational safety agencies are expected to initiate a formal investigation.
As rescue teams continue to comb through the collapsed sections and assess underground conditions, families and officials alike are expressing relief that the prompt response helped avoid a major disaster.
Further updates are expected as officials work to ensure the area is completely cleared and safe for future operations.