10-07-2025
Los Angeles tunnel collapse traps 31 workers, all rescued by firefighters
Emergency crews rushed to Wilmington on Wednesday evening after part of an underground tunnel collapsed and trapped 31 construction workers. The incident took place at the site of the Los Angeles Effluent Outfall Tunnel, which is part of the county's Clearwater Project.
Everyone safe after tense rescue
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the trapped workers managed to climb over a 12 to 15-foot pile of dirt to escape. Thankfully, none of the 31 workers were hurt during the collapse. It took about an hour to bring everyone to safety.
A TUNNEL has collapsed in Los Angela's trapping around 20 peopleThis is the Dragados Mining and Boring Co A major collapse has occurred with between 18-28 workers attempting to be rescued by LAFD#Wilmington #California
Mayor Karen Bass praised the firefighters on X, writing, 'Thank you to all of our brave first responders who acted immediately. You are L.A.'s true heroes.' County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the area, confirmed the rescue shortly after the incident.
Massive emergency response
Over 100 responders were deployed, including all of LAFD's Urban Search and Rescue teams. The collapse reportedly happened nearly six miles inside the tunnel, far from its only access point on South Figueroa Street. Firefighters had to coordinate efforts deep underground to reach and guide workers back to safety.
Tunnel part of $630 million project
The tunnel collapse happened at the $630.5 million Clearwater Project, a major public works plan led by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District. Flatiron Dragados, the lead contractor, said the tunnel is around 7 miles long, 18 feet wide, and runs 450 feet below the surface.
The tunnel is being built to replace older wastewater pipelines built in 1937 and 1958. Officials had expected to finish tunneling by April 2025 and activate the new tunnel by January 2028. Authorities are now looking into what caused the collapse.
