On Wednesday evening, a partial collapse in a construction tunnel in Los Angeles County put the lives of 31 workers at risk. The incident occurred in Wilmington, near the 1700 block of North Figueroa Street, sparking a major rescue operation with over 100 firefighters responding, including teams trained for confined-space rescues.
Luckily, all workers managed to escape uninjured. They were in an 18-foot-diameter tunnel about five miles from the entrance when the collapse happened. Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva confirmed that 27 workers were present at the time, with four additional personnel entering the tunnel to help. Fortunately, the debris didn’t completely block the path; the workers were able to navigate back through the damaged area.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass praised the outcome, expressing relief that everyone was safe. She spoke with the workers after their rescue, ensuring they could connect with their families who had been anxiously waiting outside.
This tunnel is part of the Clearwater Project, aiming to transport treated wastewater from the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant to the ocean. The project has been underway since late 2019, with actual tunnel construction commencing in 2021. By the end of the year, the tunnel was expected to reach Royal Palms Beach.
This incident marks the first major setback in the Clearwater Project, leading to a pause in construction. Chief engineer Robert Ferrante stated that it would take time to assess the damage and ensure safety before continuing work.
In recent days, there’s been a surge of support on social media for the workers and first responders. Comments have flooded platforms, with many praising the quick actions of emergency teams. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed gratitude for the brave efforts of the responders.
Incidents like this remind us of the inherent risks in construction work, especially in confined spaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 60 workers die each year in tunneling accidents across the United States, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and proper training.
As this situation unfolds, the sanitation district is committed to investigating the incident thoroughly to prevent future occurrences.
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