All 31 Construction Workers Rescued After Wilmington Tunnel Collapse

10 July 2025

Crews successfully rescued 31 workers who were trapped after a tunnel collapsed in L.A.’s Wilmington neighborhood on July 9, 2025. (KTLA)

On the evening of July 9 a section of the massive wastewater tunnel under construction in Wilmington suddenly collapsed deep underground leaving 31 workers scrambling for their lives. The incident occurred nearly six miles from the sole entry point on North Figueroa Street in the 18‑foot‑diameter tunnel that is part of the county’s $630 million Clearwater Project designed to carry treated wastewater from the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant to the ocean. It was drilling set to be completed by April 2025 with full tunnel activation scheduled for 2028, but this first major safety incident has forced construction to pause indefinitely.

Around 100 first responders from the LAFD—including specialized Urban Search and Rescue teams raced to the scene after the emergency call came in late Wednesday. At the collapse site firefighters discovered a rubble pile up to 15 feet high blocking the tunnel. Remarkably all 27 workers inside at the time and an additional four who entered to help managed to climb over the debris and escape back toward the tunnel entrance. Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva described the moment, noting that in such confined conditions there is only one exit and the men took it despite the seriousness of the collapse.

Mayor Karen Bass joined responders on-site and praised the rescue as a blessing for the city noting that "no one was injured and everyone is safe" after what began as a "very scary evening" L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and several city officials visited the scene later in the night. Hahn expressed relief that the workers emerged both "alive and happy" but understandably shaken by the harrowing experience.

The Clearwater Project’s tunneling operation began in 2021 following the wider construction phase in 2019. Its goal is to replace aging infrastructure dating back to 1937 and 1958. But now, public safety experts warn this incident underscores the inherent dangers of tunneling, especially in urban contexts where only one access point exists for emergency egress. Officials from contractor Flatiron Dragados, the lead on tunneling, have said work will remain paused until engineers can assess risks, inspect damaged sections, and determine how to repair the lining before resuming.

On scene, Mayor Bass used social media to honor first responders, writing on X "L.A.'s true heroes" and acknowledging their swift efforts in what could have turned into a prolonged rescue mission. Firefighters confessed they were relieved as this could have been a longer more dangerous operation if the heading had fully collapsed .

The workers themselves expressed gratitude and relief. One spouse, Chelsea Fernandez, whose partner was inside, told reporters every workday underground carries risk yet "tonight, we were lucky" Though no physical injuries were reported, all 31 underwent medical evaluation to check for smoke inhalation or other complications .

Looking ahead investigators with the sanitation districts will conduct thorough examinations before work resumes. Supervisor Hahn affirmed more safeguards will be implemented to prevent a similar incident, noting that oversight and engineering reviews must be strengthened . For now the tunnel remains frozen mid-progress miles underground, while engineers and safety teams work to recover stability.

This dramatic event highlights the precarious nature of subterranean construction projects in urban Los Angeles and the critical importance of emergency preparedness. As workers recover from a night of unimaginable stress, city officials have pledged transparency in the investigation and renewed emphasis on ensuring safety before public infrastructure continues deep beneath the city.