A dramatic rescue in Los Angeles has brought attention to the growing issue of homeless individuals living underground. Firefighters rescued a 39-year-old woman from a sewer in the Harbor Gateway area after she fell 20 feet down a manhole on Thursday. Authorities believe she may have been living in the sewer system before her fall.
The woman, who was found conscious and clutching a teddy bear, had been trapped for hours, possibly days, before a passerby heard her cries and called 911. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) conducted a complex rescue operation, using pulleys and ropes to lift her out. She was treated for hip and lower body injuries and is now in stable condition at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
The rescue has highlighted the existence of a hidden community living beneath Los Angeles. Dave Matthews, a volunteer with the Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce, described the underground areas as “a city underground,” where people set up living rooms with electricity and furniture. This incident has sparked discussions about the city’s homelessness crisis and the dangers of living in such conditions.
City officials have since covered the manhole and are inspecting other access points for safety hazards. The theft of metal manhole covers has been a growing issue, as they are often stolen and recycled for cash. The city is considering using polymer-based alternatives to prevent theft.
The incident underscores the challenges Los Angeles faces in addressing homelessness, with thousands estimated to be living in storm drains and tunnels. Despite efforts like Measure HHH and the Inside Safe program, the city struggles to provide adequate housing solutions. Outreach workers emphasize the need for proactive measures to assist those living underground.
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