Heroic teamwork saves 31 workers in LA tunnel escape!

Quick Smiles:

• 31 workers emerged unscathed from a tunnel collapse in Los Angeles.
• Quick thinking and teamwork ensured a safe escape for all involved.
• The Clearwater Project continues to progress with safety investigations underway.

In a remarkable turn of events, 31 workers narrowly avoided disaster during a tunnel collapse in Los Angeles. The incident occurred while employees were working on the Clearwater Project, a significant sanitation endeavor designed to transport treated wastewater from Carson to the ocean.

Around 8 p.m., the tunnel’s ceiling began to give way, threatening to trap 27 workers deep underground. The collapse took place six miles from the only access point to the tunnel, creating a precarious situation.

Fortunately, a small gap of about 3 to 4 feet allowed the workers to crawl through to safety. Their quick escape was aided by four colleagues who worked tirelessly to enlarge the opening.

An hour later, all 31 workers emerged safely and without injury.

Mayor Karen Bass expressed her gratitude, stating:
“I just spoke with many of the workers who were trapped. Thank you to all of our brave first responders who acted immediately. You are LA’s true heroes.”

A local councilman praised the workers’ training and composure during the crisis.

“This is a highly technical, difficult project, and they knew exactly what to do. They knew how to secure themselves,” he said. “They knew all of the signals as we spoke to them.”

The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) is investigating the incident, and the project is on hold pending the outcome.

A chief engineer and general manager of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts explained that the collapse was caused by “squeezing ground,” a condition that affects the soil’s structure during tunneling and cement laying.

Assuming no significant delays, the Clearwater Project is expected to be completed by 2028, replacing outdated wastewater infrastructure.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness in large-scale engineering projects.

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