Summary:
A major rescue operation is ongoing after an industrial tunnel collapse in Wilmington, Los Angeles, trapping at least 15 workers. The incident occurred during construction of the $630 million Los Angeles Effluent Outfall Tunnel, a critical wastewater management project. Over 100 LAFD responders, including specialized Urban Search and Rescue teams, are deployed. The trapped workers are located six miles from the only access point, complicating rescue efforts. No injuries have been confirmed, but communication lines are damaged.
What This Means for You:
- Safety Awareness: If you work in construction or tunneling, review confined-space safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Project Delays: Expect potential disruptions to local infrastructure projects as authorities investigate the collapse.
- Community Impact: Nearby residents should monitor official updates for air quality or traffic advisories.
- Future Regulations: This incident may lead to stricter tunnel construction safety standards in California.
Original Post:
A dramatic rescue effort is underway after an industrial tunnel collapsed Wednesday evening in the Wilmington neighborhood, trapping at least 15 workers underground, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
“As many as 15 tunnel workers have been initially reported isolated by a ‘collapse’ in an (undetermined depth or diameter) industrial tunnel as many as six miles south from the response address, which is the sole tunnel access,” LAFD said in a statement.
“No injuries have been confirmed. More than 100 LAFD responders are assigned, including LAFD Urban Search and Rescue team members specially trained, certified and equipped to handle confined space tunnel rescues.”
The collapse occurred at approximately 8 p.m. near the intersection of West Lomita Boulevard and South Figueroa Street, at the 1700 block of North Figueroa Street.
The tunnel is part of the $630 million Los Angeles Effluent Outfall Tunnel project, a wastewater management system being constructed by Flatiron‑Dragados. It runs roughly 7 miles, measures about 18 feet in diameter, and descends approximately 450 feet underground, according to the LA Times.
Rescue teams noted that the trapped workers are located as much as six miles south of the tunnel’s only access point.
BREAKING: A tunnel collapse in Los Angeles, California has left up to 15 workers trapped. pic.twitter.com/U5AVBlMMZo
— The General (@GeneralMCNews) July 10, 2025
More from CBS News:
Authorities have not been able to contact the people trapped inside. The tunnel collapse appeared to damage communication lines.
LAFD has sent a massive amount of resources, including all of their Urban Search and Rescue teams, to the 1700 block of South Figueroa Street. Firefighters said the collapse happened as many as six miles away from the sole access point of the tunnel.
“The City of Los Angeles has mobilized resources to the tunnel collapse in Wilmington,” Mayor Karen Bass wrote in a post to X. More than 100 LAFD responders have been deployed, including Urban Search and Rescue teams. Thank you to all of those who are acting immediately to respond to this emergency.”
WATCH:
Extra Information:
OSHA Confined Space Safety Standards – Critical regulations for tunnel construction safety.
LA Sanitation Tunnel Project Details – Official documentation on the Effluent Outfall Tunnel project.
People Also Ask About:
- What causes tunnel collapses? Soil instability, structural failures, or equipment malfunctions are common causes.
- How long can trapped workers survive underground? With proper air supply, workers may survive for days in stable conditions.
- Who oversees tunnel construction safety? OSHA and state agencies regulate tunnel safety standards.
- What is the deepest tunnel rescue in history? The 2010 Chilean miner rescue at 2,300 feet remains the deepest.
Expert Opinion:
“This incident highlights the extreme risks of deep tunnel construction. The remote location of trapped workers presents unprecedented challenges for first responders. We may see renewed calls for mandatory real-time structural monitoring systems in all major tunneling projects.” – Dr. Elena Rodriguez, Civil Engineering Professor at USC.
Key Terms:
- Los Angeles tunnel collapse 2025
- Wilmington industrial tunnel rescue
- Confined space rescue operations
- LAFD Urban Search and Rescue
- Effluent Outfall Tunnel project
- Tunnel construction safety protocols
- Flatiron-Dragados infrastructure projects
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
