Los Angeles: A partial collapse inside a massive sanitation tunnel project in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles trapped 31 workers hundreds of feet underground on Wednesday evening, prompting a rapid emergency response and a tense hour-long rescue effort that ended with all personnel safely accounted for, authorities said.
The collapse occurred approximately six miles inside the $630 million Los Angeles County Clearwater Project tunnel, which spans seven miles in total and runs nearly 400 feet below ground. According to officials, the section that gave way was located between the tunnel boring machine and the construction crew, causing a blockage of about 12 to 15 feet of earth and debris.
“This could have been a tragedy,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told reporters during a late-night briefing. “Instead, it was a victory. All of the men are safe, and I had the opportunity to speak with many of them. They were shaken, but alive and reunited with their families.”
The tunnel is being built to transport treated wastewater from the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant to the Pacific Ocean and replace aging infrastructure dating back to 1937. It is part of the county’s broader clean water initiative.
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Workers Escaped by Climbing Through the Collapsed Section
The workers, some of whom were as far as 6 miles into the tunnel, managed to climb over the collapsed debris and reach the boring machine before being guided out through the tunnel shaft on South Figueroa Street. Firefighters described the evacuation route as treacherous, with limited visibility and tight spaces.
“They had to squeeze their way through the collapsed area, and then our rescue teams met them inside and assisted them the rest of the way,” said interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva. “This was a confined space with only one way in and out. We are very fortunate this didn’t end with fatalities.”
Four additional workers entered the tunnel shortly after the collapse to help those trapped. Authorities confirmed that none of the 31 workers sustained serious injuries.
LAFD has just reported that all workers who were trapped in the tunnel in Wilmington are now out and accounted for.
I just spoke with many of the workers who were trapped. Thank you to all of our brave first responders who acted immediately. You are L.A.’s true heroes. pic.twitter.com/6hdAwbH1MI
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) July 10, 2025
“We Thought They Might Not Come Out,” Say Families
Family members waited anxiously at the tunnel’s surface as news of the incident broke. Maria Orozco, whose three sons were among those working underground, broke into tears after seeing them emerge safely.
“My brother was crying,” said Arally Orozco, another family member. “He told me he thought he was going to die down there.”
TV footage showed firefighters lifting workers in a yellow cage hoisted by a crane. Over 100 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department, including Urban Search and Rescue teams, were deployed to the site.
Thankfully a tragedy was avoided tonight because @LAFD sprang into action immediately when they got word of workers trapped deep underground when the Clearwater tunnel collapsed in #Wilmington. Relieved to see the workers are all safe and accounted for. Thank you to our first… pic.twitter.com/vDjQgSx8OG
— Nanette D. Barragán (@RepBarragan) July 10, 2025
Work on the Tunnel Suspended Pending Investigation
The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation. Officials from the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, which oversees the project, said tunneling work will be paused indefinitely until the tunnel is inspected and deemed safe to continue.
“This is a highly technical project,” said Robert Ferrante, chief engineer of the sanitation districts. “We are conducting a full review to determine what caused the ground to shift. It’ll take as long as needed to ensure safety.”
The Clearwater Project, which broke ground in 2019 and began tunneling in 2021, was expected to complete its underground work by early 2025 and be operational by 2028. The contractor, Flatiron Dragados, has not yet released a formal statement.
Officials Praise Calm Under Pressure
“This was a very scary evening,” said L.A. City Councilmember Tim McOsker. “But the professionalism and composure of the workers and first responders saved lives tonight.”
Congresswoman Nanette Barragán and Supervisor Janice Hahn were also on-site and echoed calls for a full safety review.
“These men were brave, but no one should have to go through something like this,” said Hahn. “We’re going to do everything we can to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
