Los Angeles mayor praises 'true heroes' after 30+ construction workers escape partially collapsed $700M tunnel project

The cave-in occurred between the tunnel boring machine 5 miles from the entrance and the construction workers who were working 6 miles in.

The workers, who were about 400 feet underground, scrambled over loose soil more than 12 feet high to reach the tunnel boring machine and then were transported back to the opening. Aerial footage showed workers being brought out of the tunnel in a yellow cage hoisted up by a crane.

"All of the men that were in that tunnel: rescued up, safe. We had an opportunity to speak with them. We had an opportunity to make sure they were able to reach their family members," Bass said. "Their family members knew they were safe. There were many anxious family members who were here waiting to make sure that their relatives were okay. We spoke with the paramedics while the paramedics examined the men as they came up. And I just have to tell you that we’re all blessed today in Los Angeles."