WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES – Firefighters in Los Angeles successfully extricated 31 construction workers who became trapped underground following a partial collapse within a large-scale tunnel project in the Wilmington area on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The daring rescue operation unfolded approximately one hour after the structural failure occurred, bringing swift relief to the workforce caught some 450 feet beneath the surface.
According to officials, none of the workers sustained visible injuries, a testament to the rapid response and the resilience of those involved. The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with complex subterranean infrastructure development but also underscores the preparedness and efficiency of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
The Incident and Immediate Response
The partial collapse occurred deep within the tunnel, roughly six miles from its sole access point. The location was identified as being near the intersection of South Figueroa Street and Q Street in Wilmington.
Upon receiving reports of the entrapment, the LAFD launched a significant response, deploying over 100 personnel to the scene. This included specialized Urban Search and Rescue teams, equipped and trained for complex confined-space and structural collapse scenarios like the one encountered.
Initial reports from firefighters indicated the trapped workers managed to navigate their way to a point of relative safety by climbing over a mound of collapsed material estimated to be between 12 and 15 feet high. Rescuers were then able to reach the group and facilitate their safe egress from the underground environment.
Context: The Clearwater Project
The tunnel where the collapse took place is part of the Los Angeles County Sanitation District’s ambitious Clearwater Project. This critical infrastructure initiative is designed to rehabilitate and restore outdated wastewater management tunnels that were originally constructed between 1937 and 1958.
The project aims to upgrade the region’s aging sanitation infrastructure, ensuring long-term reliability and capacity for wastewater conveyance. The sheer scale of the work involves significant challenges, operating deep underground in challenging geological conditions.
The specific tunnel involved in the incident is described as approximately 7 miles long, with an estimated width of 18 feet, and situated 450 feet beneath the ground surface. The primary contractor overseeing the construction and rehabilitation efforts for the Clearwater Project is Flatiron Dragados.
Working at such depths and within existing, aging structures presents unique engineering and safety hurdles. The partial collapse serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in updating vital urban infrastructure located far below the city.
Official Reactions and Aftermath
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the district where Wilmington is located, confirmed after the rescue that none of the workers appeared to have sustained visible injuries, expressing relief that the incident did not result in serious harm.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also acknowledged the successful operation, tweeting recognition for the LAFD and the rescue teams involved in the effort.
The swift resolution of the entrapment, with all workers rescued within approximately an hour of the collapse, is being credited to the coordinated efforts of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the effectiveness of their specialized rescue units.
While the immediate crisis has passed with the successful rescue of all personnel, questions are likely to be raised regarding the cause of the partial collapse and the structural integrity of the surrounding areas of the tunnel. An investigation into the precise factors leading to the incident will be crucial to prevent future occurrences and ensure the continued safety of the remaining work on the extensive Clearwater Project.
