A critical incident unfolded in Wilmington, California, as a tunnel collapse trapped multiple individuals. Initial reports indicated 15 people were caught in the collapse, a number that quickly escalated to 28. The incident occurred in an industrial zone off Figueroa Street, an area characterized by its oil refineries and pumping stations, suggesting the potential for complex and hazardous rescue conditions.
In response to the emergency, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) mounted a massive operation, deploying over 100 responders, including specialized urban search and rescue teams. The situation was immediately classified as a “technical rescue,” highlighting the intricate nature of the operation required to extract those trapped.
Preliminary information pointed to the victims being tunnel workers, further emphasizing the industrial context of the disaster. Complicating rescue efforts, the accident severed fiber and Wi-Fi connections within the tunnel, severely hindering communication with the trapped individuals.
As rescue efforts intensified, first responders established a triage area above ground to prepare for the eventual recovery of the workers. Visual reports from the scene described a cage-like structure being lowered into the collapse site, presumably for the purpose of extraction.
Later, the same cage was observed being hoisted upwards, with what appeared to be the silhouettes of people inside, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tense wait. Reporters on the scene conveyed deep concern for the workers and their families, underscoring the gravity and uncertainty of the situation as the community awaited further updates.
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