31 workers have been safely removed from an industrial tunnel under construction in Los Angeles after part of it collapsed on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Earlier, authorities said that up to 15 workers might be trapped underground after an industrial tunnel reportedly collapsed in Wilmington, Los Angeles around 8 pm (local time). More than 100 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) were assigned to the emergency at 1701 N Figueroa St, which serves as the only known entry point to the tunnel, the LA Times reported. Officials believe the workers could be trapped as far as six miles south of this access point, according to the LAFD. The tunnel is under construction and is designed to eventually carry wastewater. It is 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide, officials added.Specially trained and certified search and rescue teams equipped for confined-space tunnel rescues have been dispatched to the site.The collapse occurred 5 to 6 miles (8 to 9.7 kilometers) from the tunnel’s sole entrance in an industrial section of the city. Aerial footage from local television showed workers being lifted up through the tunnel’s entrance, AP reported. LA Mayor Karen Bass in a post on X said, “The City of Los Angeles has mobilized resources to the tunnel collapse in Wilmington. More than 100 LAFD responders have been deployed, including Urban Search and Rescue teams. Thank you to all of those who are acting immediately to respond to this emergency.” This is a developing story…
