31 tunnel workers rescued in Los Angeles
All 31 workers trapped in a collapsed industrial tunnel in Los Angeles' Wilmington area have been successfully rescued, according to city officials. The incident occurred in an 18-foot diameter tunnel being constructed for municipal wastewater management as part of the Clearwater Project, which aims to modernize the city's aging infrastructure.
The collapse took place approximately 450 feet underground and about six miles from the tunnel's only access point. Emergency responders, including specialized Urban Search and Rescue teams, were deployed to the scene, with over 100 personnel involved in the rescue operation. The workers managed to climb over a mound of loose soil to reach safety and were lifted to the surface using a crane-equipped elevator known as a "bird cage." Remarkably, all workers were rescued within about an hour, with no major injuries reported.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed gratitude to the first responders, stating that she spoke with many of the rescued workers. The tunnel, part of a $630.5 million project awarded to Dragados USA, is designed to replace outdated wastewater infrastructure dating back to 1937, with completion expected by January 2028.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of construction projects in urban environments, particularly those involving deep underground work. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are currently underway, and construction work has been halted pending safety assessments. The Los Angeles County Sanitation District, which oversees the project, has not yet commented on the incident. The successful rescue operation underscores the effectiveness of emergency response teams in managing critical situations and ensuring the safety of workers in hazardous conditions. The quick response and coordination among various agencies played a crucial role in the successful outcome of this incident.
