31 Workers Rescued After Tunnel Collapse in Los Angeles
A tunnel collapse in Los Angeles led to the safe rescue of 31 construction workers, with no major injuries reported. The incident is under investigation.
Overview
- A tunnel collapse occurred in Los Angeles, affecting construction workers working on a municipal wastewater management project.
- 31 construction workers were safely rescued after scrambling over a 12 to 15-foot pile of dirt following the incident.
- Over 100 LAFD responders, including Urban Search and Rescue teams, were involved in the rescue operation.
- The tunnel, part of a $630.5 million project, is 18 feet in diameter and located 450 feet below ground.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, and construction will not resume until the site is deemed safe.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources emphasize the successful rescue of workers while downplaying the incident's severity. They frame the event as a managed crisis, highlighting the absence of major injuries and the prompt response from authorities. Implicitly, they convey a sense of reassurance about safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
"Tonight, we were lucky, as at least 31 workers were safely rescued after a tunnel collapsed in a large industrial complex in Los Angeles."
ABC News"Instead, what we found was victory."
ABC News"Instead, what we found was victory."
NPR"All 31 workers have been rescued after an industrial tunnel collapsed in Los Angeles, city officials said late Wednesday."
USA TODAY"None of the 31 construction workers trapped in the tunnel sustained visible injuries, according to LAFD."
CBS News"Tonight, we were lucky, as all thirty-one workers were rescued safely after the tunnel collapse with no injuries reported."
NBC NewsArticles (8)
Center (6)
FAQ
The preliminary cause of the tunnel collapse was identified as 'squeezing ground', where varying underground conditions forced a partial collapse of the tunnel structure. Officials are still investigating to determine the exact cause and to plan repairs and reinforcements.
After the tunnel partially collapsed, the 31 construction workers scrambled over a 12 to 15-foot mound of loose soil to reach other coworkers on the opposite side. They were then transported several at a time by a tunnel vehicle to the tunnel’s sole entrance, where they were lifted out by a crane and hoisted in a yellow cage. Over 100 responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department, including Urban Search and Rescue teams, coordinated the rescue operation.
No major injuries were reported among the 31 workers rescued from the tunnel collapse. Paramedics evaluated 27 of the workers upon removal and confirmed that everyone was safe with no significant injuries.
The tunnel under construction is part of a $630.5 million municipal wastewater management project in Los Angeles. It is 18 feet in diameter, located about 450 feet underground, and designed to carry wastewater.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the collapse and will not resume construction until the site is deemed safe. They are also planning repairs to reinforce the tunnel and prevent future collapses.
History
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