Tunnel Collapse in Wilmington, Los Angeles

Over 20 industrial workers were rescued following a tunnel collapse in the Wilmington area of Los Angeles, as reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).

The incident occurred around 8 PM in the 1700 block of South Figueroa Street, where it was initially reported that 27 individuals were trapped. Unfortunately, four additional workers who came to help also became trapped, increasing the total to 31 people stuck underground.

More than 100 LAFD personnel responded quickly, including the Urban Search and Rescue team, along with Mayor Karen Bass. According to L.A. County superintendent Janice Hahn, the construction workers were saved roughly an hour after the incident. Firefighters noted that the workers managed to climb a “12-15-foot dirt mountain” to escape.

“I spoke to a lot of the workers trapped,” Bass stated. “Thank you to all the brave first responders who acted swiftly. You are the true heroes of L.A.”

As of now, no serious injuries have been reported. However, 27 workers were undergoing medical evaluations on site by the LAFD Emergency Service.

“We were lucky tonight,” LAFD interim chief Villanueva remarked. “It was determined that the structural failure of the tunnel lining occurred after about 5-6 miles.”

“We had the opportunity to talk to them; their families were informed they were safe,” Bass added.

The collapse involved an 18-foot-diameter tunnel that was part of a municipal wastewater treatment project being constructed by LA County Sanitation. It took place at a ground-level excavation site approximately 5-6 miles south of the tunnel’s only entry point, according to the LAFD.

Villanueva indicated that “structural disorders in the tunnel lining” were likely responsible for the collapse.

This tunnel is being built from the AK Warren Water Resources Facility to San Pedro. Initially scheduled for completion by 2028, the project is now on hold as an investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway.