No one found trapped in human-made tunnel in Everett after hours-long search
Jul 15, 2021, 11:04 AM | Updated: 2:55 pm
Responders attempting to dig out a human-made tunnel in Everett. (Everett Fire, Twitter)
(Everett Fire, Twitter)
After hours of searching, responders have determined that there is no one trapped in a human-made tunnel near the northbound off-ramp to Pacific Avenue in Everett.
A three-alarm technical rescue spanned hours on Wednesday, with almost 30 firefighters at the scene alongside Washington State Patrol, the Everett Police Department, WSDOT, and public works.
Rescuers are using a camera for better visual capabilities as they remove dirt from the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/UgU7jgCAQJ
— Everett Fire WA (@EverettFire) July 15, 2021
WSDOT had called 911 around 8 a.m. Thursday reporting a hole leading to a tunnel near the I-5 off-ramp in Everett. A man in the area known to dig tunnels and hide inside was spotted in the area Wednesday night.
Crews at the scene found dirt over the entrance to the tunnel, initially believing that it may have collapsed, and that someone was potentially trapped underneath. After removing that dirt, it was determined that the tunnel was actually intact.
Responders then used a camera to gain visibility inside the tunnel as more dirt was removed. Shortly before 3 p.m., they reached the end of the tunnel without finding anyone inside.
WSDOT will now work to repaid the area where the tunnel was dug, while the northbound I-5 off-ramp is expected to reopen around 4 p.m.
KIRO 7 TV staff contributed to this report
Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest
