Thirty-one workers were safely evacuated from an industrial tunnel under construction in Wilmington, Los Angeles, after a section of it collapsed on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
The incident took place roughly 8 to 9.7 kilometres from the tunnel’s only entrance, located in an industrial area of the city. Aerial footage from local news outlets showed workers being hoisted up through the entrance point, AP reported.
After the collapse, some workers managed to climb over a 12 to 15-foot mound of loose soil to reach their colleagues on the other side. The group was then transported in stages to the tunnel entrance using a tunnel vehicle.
The collapse happened about six miles (10 km) south of the tunnel’s only access, LAFD said, adding that more than 100 responders were assigned to the incident.
“The City of Los Angeles has mobilized resources to the tunnel collapse in Wilmington,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a post on X.
The tunnel is under construction to eventually carry wastewater. It’s 18 feet wide, LAFD said.
More than 100 LAFD workers were assigned to the scene, including those who specialise in rescues from confined spaces.
(With inputs from AP)
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Tyisha Noren