Firefighters hurt by chemicals at Musk's tunnel project

Firefighters suffered chemical burns while responding to an incident at Elon Musk's Boring Company tunnel construction project in Las Vegas, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at the site. The Boring Company has faced multiple allegations and citations related to hazardous working conditions, including chemical exposure, lack of protective equipment, and inadequate decontamination facilities[1][3][9][11].

According to reports, between 10 to 15 workers experienced c...

According to reports, between 10 to 15 workers experienced chemical burns from a toxic mixture present in the tunnel during construction of the Vegas Loop expansion. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspected the site and issued eight serious safety citations, fining the company more than $112,000 in late 2023. The hazards included workers wading through ankle-deep chemical-laden mud, causing burns and rashes, without access to showers or proper protective gear to prevent exposure[1][3][5]. OSHA also documented unsafe electrical practices and overloaded equipment that endangered workers’ safety[5].

Firefighters who were called to the site to manage emergenci...

Firefighters who were called to the site to manage emergencies also became victims of chemical exposure, sustaining burns while performing rescues. This incident has intensified scrutiny over the safety protocols and emergency preparedness at the project, with authorities noting that firefighting equipment had to be decontaminated after the response due to chemical contamination[9][11].

Experts and safety advocates have criticized the level of ov...

Experts and safety advocates have criticized the level of oversight given to The Boring Company, warning that private contractors managing large public infrastructure projects must be held to stricter safety standards. Benjamin Leffel, a public policy professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, highlighted concerns about regulatory gaps and the risks of allowing private firms too much discretion without sufficient monitoring[1].

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), whi...

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), which oversees the Vegas Loop project, stated that the safety violations were identified and addressed last summer after being reported by The Boring Company. However, the company continues to contest the OSHA citations, and detailed reforms or improvements have not been publicly disclosed[1][5][13].

The Boring Company did not respond to requests for comment o...

The Boring Company did not respond to requests for comment on the recent firefighter injuries and ongoing safety issues. Meanwhile, workers remain bound by non-disclosure agreements that limit their ability to speak publicly about working conditions[7].

This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of safety c...

This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of safety challenges at the ambitious tunnel project designed to connect key locations such as the Las Vegas Convention Center, Resorts World, and Allegiant Stadium via underground transit. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety enforcement and protective measures to safeguard both workers and emergency responders involved in the project.