Successful Rescue of 31 Workers Following Industrial Tunnel Collapse in Los Angeles
In a fortunate turn of events, thirty-one construction workers were safely rescued from a collapsed industrial tunnel in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening. Initial fears were high as the workers were trapped approximately 400 feet underground, but all emerged without serious injuries, marking a positive outcome in a potentially tragic situation.
The collapse occurred in a section of the tunnel located five miles from the entrance, where a tunnel boring machine was operating. The workers, who were engaged in the nearly $700 million Clean Water project, had been working six miles into the tunnel when the incident happened.
According to Michael Chee, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, the workers had to navigate through loose soil that had piled up to over 12 feet in height to reach the boring machine. They were subsequently transported to safety using a crane, which hoisted them up in a yellow rescue cage as aerial footage captured their emergence from the tunnel.
Families of the trapped workers experienced a mix of fear and relief. Maria Orozco, whose son Oraldo was among those trapped, described the harrowing moments when she first received news of the collapse while at church. She expressed her profound concern, fearing the worst for her sons, who were all working in the tunnel.
After an hour of anxious waiting, she managed to communicate with one of her brothers, who described the tense situation and their escape. Orozco recounted that her brother was emotional, fearing for his life during the ordeal.
Local officials praised the composure and quick thinking of the workers during the crisis. LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker acknowledged their ability to remain calm and secure themselves amidst the chaos, highlighting the technical complexity of the project.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who met with some of the rescued workers, expressed her relief and gratitude for their safe return. She emphasized how the situation could have ended tragically but instead concluded with a successful rescue.
As investigations into the cause of the collapse continue, authorities have indicated that work on the project will remain halted until a thorough assessment is completed to determine the safety of the site. The tunnel, an essential component of the Clean Water project, is designed to transport treated wastewater from across Los Angeles County to the Pacific Ocean.
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