‘We Feared the Worst’: 31 Workers Survive Terrifying Los Angeles Tunnel Cave-In

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A group of 31 construction workers were safely rescued from a collapsed industrial tunnel in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, a fortunate outcome after initial fears of a more tragic incident.

The collapse occurred approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the tunnel boring machine, where the workers were stationed 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) in, according to Michael Chee, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts overseeing the project.

The workers were located about 400 feet (121 meters) underground at the time of the incident.

An investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, Chee stated.

Following the collapse, the workers had to navigate through loose soil over 12 feet (19.3 meters) high to reach the tunnel boring machine, from where they were safely transported back to the surface. Aerial footage captured the workers being lifted out of the tunnel in a yellow cage by a crane.

Fortunately, none of the rescued workers sustained major injuries, according to authorities.

Arally Orozco shared her relief after learning that her three brothers, who were among the workers, had made it out safely. “It was a scary and sad situation,” she said. “We were preparing for the worst.”

One of Orozco’s brothers described the harrowing experience of squeezing through a tight space to escape. “My brother was in tears,” she recounted. “He thought he wouldn’t make it out alive.”

LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker commended the workers for their composure during the crisis. “This is a complex and challenging project, and they demonstrated remarkable resilience,” he said. “We are grateful for the skilled individuals who were in the tunnel.”

Mayor Karen Bass expressed her relief at the successful rescue mission. “When we arrived, we were bracing for a tragedy. Instead, we witnessed a triumph,” Bass remarked. “All the men who were in that tunnel are now safe and sound.”

The tunnel construction, which is taking place predominantly beneath public right-of-way, involves building an 18-foot-wide (5.5 meters) structure that will span 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) to transport treated wastewater from various locations in Los Angeles County to the Pacific Ocean. Work will remain halted until the project contractor conducts a thorough assessment and ensures the site’s safety, authorities confirmed.