Rescue Efforts Underway After Major Tunnel Collapse Traps 15 Workers in Wilmington

Emergency crews are working around the clock in Wilmington, Los Angeles, after a devastating tunnel collapse left at least 15 workers trapped underground with no immediate communication.

The incident occurred at the site of the Los Angeles Effluent Outfall Tunnel project, a massive $630.5 million infrastructure effort aimed at modernizing the city’s wastewater system. Around 8:55 p.m., rescue teams began hoisting some construction workers to safety via crane, though many remain unaccounted for.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has deployed extensive resources, including all available Urban Search and Rescue teams, to the 1700 block of South Figueroa Street. Officials report that the actual collapse happened up to six miles away from the tunnel’s single access point, making rescue operations both complex and dangerous.

"The City of Los Angeles has mobilized resources to the tunnel collapse in Wilmington," wrote Mayor Karen Bass in a public statement. "More than 100 LAFD responders, including specialized rescue teams, are on site. Thank you to all of those who are acting immediately to respond to this emergency."

Authorities say communication lines may have been severed in the collapse, hindering efforts to reach those trapped. As of now, emergency responders have not been able to establish contact with the victims underground.

The tunnel, operated by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, stretches seven miles in length, spans approximately 18 feet in diameter, and lies about 450 feet beneath the surface. It is being constructed by Flatiron Dragados, a major infrastructure contractor. According to the company, the new tunnel will eventually replace aging systems that date back to 1937 and 1958, ensuring safer and more efficient wastewater management for the region.

According to documents released by the County Sanitation Department in July 2024, tunneling work was expected to conclude by April 2025, with the full project slated for completion in 2027 and full activation scheduled for January 2028.

Rescue operations are expected to continue through the night and into the coming days, as officials assess structural stability and seek to make contact with the workers still trapped.