Thirty-one workers were successfully rescued from a collapsed tunnel in Wilmington, Los Angeles, on Wednesday night. The incident occurred during a municipal wastewater project, approximately five to six miles from the tunnel's only entry and exit point, and about 400 feet underground.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that all workers were removed safely and showed no visible injuries. The rescue operation involved over 100 firefighters, including specialized Urban Search and Rescue teams. Video footage captured by local news affiliates showed workers being hoisted to safety by cranes.

According to LAFD Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, four workers bravely navigated through debris to assist their 27 trapped coworkers. "Tonight, we were lucky," Villanueva stated, highlighting the teamwork that contributed to the successful rescue.

The collapse happened while workers were operating a tunnel boring machine. Robert Ferrante, chief engineer and general manager of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, explained that the failure was due to "squeezing ground," a phenomenon where soil deforms significantly during excavation. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with such construction projects.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass visited the scene and expressed gratitude to the first responders. "Thank you to all our brave first responders who acted immediately. You are L.A.'s true heroes," she said in a post on X, along with a video of her meeting with the rescued workers.

After the rescue, the workers were transported via tunnel vehicles to the access point, where they were evaluated by paramedics. The LAFD confirmed that none of the workers were missing, and all were accounted for.

In light of the incident, Ferrante announced that work at the site would be halted for inspection, although he did not specify how long this would take. Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse, stating that the sanitation districts would look into the matter further.