A section of an industrial tunnel under construction in Los Angeles collapsed on Thursday, potentially trapping up to 15 workers beneath the rubble. Emergency crews launched an intensive rescue operation as families gathered nearby awaiting updates.
More than 100 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the incident, including specialized teams trained in confined-space rescues. Heavy machinery and structural engineers were deployed to stabilize the site while maintaining access routes for first responders.
"Our top priority is locating and extracting anyone who might be trapped," said LAFD spokesperson Capt. Emily Rodriguez during a press briefing. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, though early reports suggest potential structural instability during excavation work.
The tunnel forms part of a major infrastructure project aimed at upgrading the city's industrial transportation network. Safety protocols and construction standards are expected to face renewed scrutiny as rescue efforts continue through the night.
