It could have ended in tragedy—but instead, a terrifying tunnel collapse in Wilmington, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, turned into a miraculous rescue story late Wednesday night.
More than 30 construction workers were trapped underground, but thanks to quick-thinking emergency crews, every single one of them made it out safely.
Panic Underground as Tunnel Collapses During Major Construction Project
The drama unfolded just after 8 p.m. when part of a massive tunnel project gave way beneath South Figueroa Street.
This wasn’t just any project—it was the $630 million Los Angeles Effluent Outfall Tunnel, a key part of a major sewage infrastructure upgrade.
The workers had been operating roughly 450 feet below ground, digging out a tunnel that stretches seven miles long and 18 feet wide.
Rescue Crews Race Against Time to Reach the Trapped Workers
With lives on the line, the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Teams sprang into action.
The challenge? The only access point to the tunnel was located as far as six miles from where the collapse occurred.
That meant getting to the trapped workers would require strategy, speed, and a lot of grit.
Workers Climb Over Rubble to Find Their Way Out
Instead of waiting helplessly, the trapped team took action.
Authorities said the workers managed to climb over a 12 to 15-foot mound of dirt created by the collapse to get to the other side, where more of their coworkers were located.
Then together, they trekked more than five miles through the tunnel toward the single access shaft.
Lifted to Safety in Groups Using a Giant Elevator Cage
Rescue crews used an elevator system known as a “bird cage” to lift the workers to safety.
They were hoisted to the surface in groups of eight, with the first group reaching daylight around 9 p.m.
By the end of the hour, every last person was safely out.
Once above ground, many of the workers hugged each other with relief, grateful to be alive after what could have been a devastating disaster.
The Mayor Praises Heroes as Emergency Response is Hailed
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took to social media shortly after the rescue.
“I just spoke with many of the workers who were trapped,” she wrote.
“Thank you to all of our brave first responders who acted immediately. You are L.A.’s true heroes.”
No Injuries Reported Amid a Truly Miraculous Outcome
In an almost unbelievable turn, no injuries were reported.
Paramedics checked every individual as they were brought to the surface, and all were cleared.
The fact that more than 30 people escaped unharmed from a collapse 450 feet underground is nothing short of extraordinary.
What Caused the Collapse? Investigation Still Underway
Authorities still don’t know exactly what caused the collapse, and an investigation is ongoing.
The construction was part of a long-term wastewater management initiative by the L.A. County Sanitation District, with tunneling expected to be completed later this year and the entire project wrapped by 2027.
An Ongoing Story with a Grateful Ending—for Now
This is one of those rare breaking news stories where everything aligned just right.
Strong teamwork underground, fast-moving rescue crews above, and a healthy dose of luck helped bring 31 workers back to their families.
While the cause remains unknown, one thing is certain: Los Angeles narrowly avoided disaster.