04/16/2026
One Dead, One Injured After Tunnel Collapse Near Knights Ferry
Knights Ferry, CA — One person has died and another was injured following a tunnel collapse at a construction site near Schell Road and Sonora Road on Tuesday afternoon, according to emergency officials.
At approximately 3:42 p.m., the Modesto Fire Department and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District responded to reports of a rescue incident at the Canyon Tunnel Project. When crews arrived, they confirmed that a partial collapse had occurred inside the tunnel during ongoing work.
Officials said one worker had already exited the tunnel before emergency responders arrived and was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as minor to moderate.
A second worker remained inside the tunnel following the collapse. Despite coordinated rescue efforts from multiple agencies operating under Unified Command, that individual was later confirmed deceased at the scene.
Authorities have identified the deceased as Twyla Capurro, 35, of Coulterville.
The area has been secured, and the incident remains under investigation by relevant authorities. Officials have not released additional details regarding the cause of the collapse.
This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family, loved ones, and all those affected.
