A construction-site collapse at the Canyon Tunnel Project northeast of Knights Ferry sent at least one worker to the hospital yesterday, authorities said, turning a quiet stretch of canyon country into a major rescue scene. The incident happened just before 3:45 PM on private property near Sonora and Schell roads, drawing emergency crews from multiple agencies to the hard-to-reach site as rescuers scrambled to reach anyone trapped.
Initial Reports Shift As Crews Reach The Site
Early in the response, Modesto Fire said two people were believed to be trapped at the remote work area, according to CBS Sacramento. The South San Joaquin Irrigation District later updated that one individual had been transported for medical care. Officials did not release the injured worker's condition. Crews from the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District responded alongside Cal Fire, while the Stanislaus and Calaveras County sheriff's offices assisted on scene.
High-Risk Project Built Into Landslide Country
The Canyon Tunnel Project is a joint effort by the Oakdale and South San Joaquin irrigation districts to construct a roughly 12,000-foot bypass tunnel intended to protect the Joint Supply Canal and strengthen regional water deliveries, according to CEQAnet. Environmental documents describe portals, staging areas and access work around Goodwin Reservoir and flag the rugged canyon setting as an operational hazard. The tunnel alignment crosses canyon terrain identified as prone to landslides, a key reason the districts proposed the bypass route in the first place.
Rescuers Battle Steep Terrain And Thin Access
Project materials and the district's Canyon Tunnel Project site note that the work zone sits in steep, remote canyon country with limited road access, a combination that can complicate both emergency response and heavy-equipment staging. Because the site straddles jurisdictional lines, deputies from Stanislaus and Calaveras counties were called in to secure the area and assist responders, according to initial accounts. Officials said stabilizing the scene and getting the injured worker to medical care remained the top priorities.
Investigation Underway As Officials Stay Tight-Lipped
Authorities said the incident remains under investigation and that more information will be released as it becomes available, per CBS Sacramento. The irrigation districts have not released additional details about the contractor involved or the injured worker. Investigators continued reviewing the collapse area, and officials asked anyone with information relevant to the incident to contact the agencies leading the response.
