LOS ANGELES – Thirty-one construction workers were safely rescued from a partial collapse within a large industrial tunnel under construction in Los Angeles late Wednesday evening, July 9, 2025. The incident triggered a significant emergency response, ultimately concluding with all individuals brought to the surface without serious injury, a welcome outcome in a potentially life-threatening subterranean event.
The Incident Underground
The collapse occurred deep within the tunnel, approximately 5 to 6 miles (about 9 kilometers) south of its sole entry point. Situated within an industrial section of the city, potentially in the Wilmington area, the tunnel is a key component of Los Angeles County’s ambitious Clean Water project. This infrastructure undertaking is planned to be 7 miles long upon completion in 2027 and is designed to transport treated wastewater to the Pacific Ocean, a vital environmental initiative.
The specific location of the collapse was within an 18-foot wide section of the bore. The structural failure resulted in a significant accumulation of earth and debris, creating a mound of loose soil estimated to be between 12 and 15 feet tall. This obstruction effectively trapped the workers beyond that point, cutting off their direct path to the entrance and creating a confined and precarious situation underground.
Workers’ Resilience and Self-Preservation
Facing entrapment deep beneath the surface, the 31 construction workers demonstrated remarkable presence of mind. According to initial accounts from the scene, the workers were able to orient themselves and, crucially, scramble over the large mound of collapsed soil. This act of self-extrication allowed them to reach the side of the collapse closer to the tunnel entrance, a pivotal step that significantly simplified and expedited the subsequent rescue efforts by positioning them in a more accessible location for responders.
The Emergency Response
The alarm rapidly mobilized the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Recognizing the inherent complexities and dangers of an underground rescue, the LAFD mounted a substantial operation, deploying over 100 personnel to the site. This included a significant contingent of the department’s highly specialized confined space rescue teams, experts trained to operate safely and effectively in restricted, dark, and potentially unstable environments like underground tunnels. Their expertise was crucial in navigating the challenging conditions and coordinating the safe retrieval of the trapped individuals.
Bringing Everyone to Safety
Once the LAFD crews made contact with the workers beyond the collapse, the systematic process of bringing them the multiple miles back to the surface began. Personnel utilized a tunnel vehicle, designed for transport within the bore, to shuttle the workers towards the entrance. For some individuals, the final stage of the rescue involved being lifted vertically from the tunnel opening. A cage, often used for transporting equipment or personnel, was employed and hoisted by a crane positioned at the entrance, carefully bringing the workers back into the open air.
Evaluation and Official Commendation
Upon reaching the surface, all rescued workers were met by waiting paramedics. While all 31 were successfully brought out, a total of 27 workers underwent evaluation by medical personnel as a precautionary measure. The assessment confirmed the best possible outcome: none of the individuals sustained any visible injuries from the collapse or the arduous rescue process, a remarkable testament to the resilience of the workers and the effectiveness of the emergency response.
The successful conclusion to the tense situation was praised by city leaders. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass spoke positively about the outcome, describing it as a “victory” and a “great outcome,” highlighting the relief felt by the community and officials that a potential disaster had been averted through swift and effective action.
Project Status and Investigation
The tunnel is a major piece of civil engineering infrastructure, part of the larger Los Angeles County Clean Water project which has a scheduled completion date of 2027. However, the partial collapse has necessitated an immediate suspension of construction activities. Work on the tunnel will not resume until a thorough assessment is conducted by the contractor responsible for the project. This crucial investigation will aim to pinpoint the exact cause of the structural failure and evaluate the stability of the affected tunnel section to ensure that the site can be certified as safe for workers before any operations recommence.
Looking Ahead
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in complex underground construction. While the investigation into the cause is ongoing, the successful rescue of all 31 workers stands as the primary focus of the event, underscoring the critical importance of safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and the skilled response of personnel like the LAFD. The focus now turns to understanding the failure and implementing safeguards necessary to ensure the safe completion of this vital public works project.
