LOS ANGELES – Thirty-one construction workers were safely rescued after a section of a large industrial tunnel under construction suffered a dramatic collapse Wednesday evening, July 9, 2025, triggering a large-scale emergency response in the heart of the city.
The collapse occurred within an 18-foot diameter tunnel being built as part of a municipal wastewater management project. The incident site was situated approximately five to six miles south of the sole entry and rescue portal, located within an industrial area of Los Angeles.
The Incident Unfolds
According to details released by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the structural failure trapped the crew deep underground. The specific cause of the collapse within the 18-foot diameter bore was not immediately clear, but it created a significant blockage within the tunnel system under development for municipal wastewater management.
In the immediate aftermath, several workers demonstrated remarkable presence of mind and resilience. Faced with a daunting barrier of earth, some reportedly scrambled over a mound of loose soil, estimated to be between 12 and 15 feet tall, to reach their colleagues on the other side of the newly formed obstruction. A tunnel vehicle, which remained operational beyond the collapse point, was then utilized to shuttle the workers towards the distant tunnel opening, a journey of several miles.
Massive Rescue Operation Launched
The notification of the collapse prompted a rapid and comprehensive response from the LAFD. Recognizing the inherent dangers of a confined space incident, the department deployed more than 100 of its personnel to the scene. This force included specialized teams specifically trained in subterranean and confined space rescue operations, equipped to navigate the complex and hazardous environment presented by the partially collapsed tunnel.
Rescue crews worked methodically to assess the situation, establish communication with the trapped workers, and coordinate their safe extraction. The process, though challenging given the distance and the nature of the collapse, focused on ensuring the safety of both the rescuers and the individuals trapped underground.
Relief and Gratitude Following Successful Extraction
As the hours passed and the rescue operation progressed, officials gathered near the tunnel entrance, monitoring the situation with palpable tension. The successful emergence of all 31 workers brought a wave of relief across the site.
LAFD Interim Chief Ronnie Villanueva and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were present as the final workers were brought to safety. Speaking at a press conference following the rescue, Chief Villanueva highlighted the gravity of the situation and the positive outcome, stating simply, “Tonight, we were lucky.”
Mayor Bass echoed the sentiment of profound relief and gratitude for the successful operation. Addressing the gathered press and public, she remarked, “We’re all blessed today in Los Angeles. No one injured. Everyone safe… What started as a very scary evening.”
Workers Evaluated
Following their successful extraction from the tunnel, paramedics were on hand to evaluate the condition of the rescued workers. A total of 27 of the 31 individuals underwent medical assessment at the scene. While the specifics of these evaluations were not immediately released, the overarching report from the LAFD confirmed that all 31 workers were rescued safely, with no serious injuries reported directly as a result of the collapse or the subsequent entrapment and rescue.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with large-scale underground infrastructure projects but also highlights the critical capabilities of emergency responders and the resilience of those working in challenging environments. The full scope and cause of the tunnel collapse within the municipal wastewater management project are expected to be subject to further investigation.
